IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0  :f 


I.I 


111 


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1.25      1.4 

1.6 

-4 6"      — 

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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WRBSTIRN  Y    14380 

(716)  ■73-4)03 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIViH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


\ 


O' 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniquas  et  bibliographiques 


The 
tot 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  beiow. 


n 


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Coloured  covers/ 
Couvartura  de  couleur 


j       I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagee 


estored  and/or  laminated/ 
rture  restaur^e  et/ou  pelliculee 


re  manque 


□    Covers  r 
Couverti 

□    Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couvertui 

□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  da  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Rail*  avec  d'autraa  documents 

Tight  bmding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutAes 
Ion  d'i..';«  restauration  apparaissant  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  *t*  filmies. 

Additional  commants:/ 
Commentaires  suppiementaires' 


L'institut  a  microfilme  le  nneilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  iui  a  ete  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-etre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 


Pages  damaged/ 
Pagas  endommagees 


□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurees  et/ou  pellicul^es 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolorees,  tachetdes  ou  piquees 


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Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

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Seule  ddit'on  disponible 


The 
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oft 
film 


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beg 
the 
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firsi 
sior 
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impression 


The 
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Mer 
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enti 
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met 


ispor 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc  .  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Las  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata    une  pelure, 
•tc.  ont  AtA  filmAes  k  nouveau  da  facon  a 
obtenir  la  meillaure  image  possible 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filme  au  tsux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-deasous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


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L— . 

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■J 

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1 

12X 


1IX 


20X 


24  X 


28X 


32X 


tails 
I  du 
odifier 
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mage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

University  of^ritish  Coiumbia  Library 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
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filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  filmi  fut  reproduit  grAce  A  la 
g6nArosit6  de: 

University  of  British  Columbia  Library 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimAe  sont  fiimis  en  commandant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  en  commengant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  <^^>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
derniire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
film^s  A  des  taux  d3  reduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filmA  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  an  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


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I  a 


1 

2 

3 

32  X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

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MESSAGE 


rfROU  THE 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

TRANSMITTING 

COPIES  OF  CERTAIN  DOCUMENTS 

OBTAINED  FROM  A 

SECRET  AGENT  OF  THE  BRITISH  GOVERNMENT, 

EMPLOTED 

IN    FOMENTING    DISAFFECTION  '■■ 

'\'     '4.  fr  TO  THE  •.■.-"'. 

J"  COmTITUTEB  AUTHORITIES,    < 

It  ,  - 

■"'■'  ■^  y^,-^''  j^  >-r.. .  AND  IN  ^.  ",2.  -^       ,...;•  ' 

BRINGING  ABOUT  RESISTANCE  TO  THE  LAWS; 

AND  EVENTUALLY, 

/.V  COJVCER  T  WITH  A  BRITISH  FORCEy 

TO 

ntiSTROY  THE  UNION 

'  OF 

THE  UNITED  STATES. 


■t 


MARCH  9,  1812. 

Read,  and  referred  to  the  Committct-  on  Foreign  Relations) 
with  power  to  send  for  persons,  papers  and  records* 


WASHINGTON : 
A.  &  G.  WAY,  PRINTERS. 

1812. 


I 


(»■ 


To 


'1 


''   •2 


men 

The 

Stat 

then 

neii'; 

ami( 

the 

here 

cd  i 

vern 

to  tl 

intri 

brin 

in   * 

uni( 

poll 

Ii 

sad 

cils 

of  I 

\vhi 

thel 

pro 


Mil 


/ 


MESSAGE. 


I 


To  the  Senate  arid  House  of 

Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I  LAY  before  Congress  copies  of  certain  docu- 
ments which  remain  in  the  Department  of  State. 
They  prove  that,  at  a  recent  period,  whilst  the  United 
States,  notwithstanding  the  wrongs  sustained  by 
them,  ceased  not  to  observe  the  laws  of  peace  and 
neufrality  towards  Gre^t  Britain,  and  in  the  midst  of 
amicable  professions  and  negotiations  on  the  part  of 
the  British  government,  through  its  public  minister 
here,  a  secret  agent  of  that  government  was  employ- 
ed in  certain  states,  more  especially  at  the  seat  of  go- 
vernment in  Massachusetts,  in  fomenting  disaflPection 
to  the  constituted  authorities  of  the  nation,  and  in 
intrigues  with  the  disaffected,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  about  resistance  to  the  laws,  and,  eventually, 
in  concert  with  a  British  force,  of  destroying  the 
union,  and  forming  the  eastern  part  thereof  into  a 
political  connection  with  Great  Britain. 

In  addition  to  the  effect  which  the  discovery  of 
such  a  procedure  ought  to  have  on  the  public  coun- 
cils, it  will  not  fail  to  render  more  dear  to  the  hearts 
of  all  good  citizens,  that  happy  union  of  these  states, 
which,  under  Divine  Providence,  is  the  guaranty  of 
their  liberties,  their  safely,  their  tranquillity,  and  their 
prosperity. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

Mtirc/i  1),  1812. 


DOCUMENTS. 


A. 

[COPY.] 

PHILADELPHIA,  February  20,  1812. 

SIR, 

MUCH  observation  and  experience  have  con- 
vinced me,  that  the  injuries  and  insults  with  which 
the  L^nited  States  have  been  so  long  and  so  frequently 
visited,  and  which  cause  their  present  embarrassment, 
have  been  owing  to  an  opinion  entertained  by  foreign 
states,  "  That  in  any  measure  tending  to  ivoitnd  their 
pride,  or  provoke  their  hostility  ^  ibe  government  of  this 
country  coidd  never  induce  a  great  majority  of  its  citi- 
zens  to  concur,^''  And,  as  many  of  the  evils  which 
flow  from  the  influence  of  this  opinion  on  the  policy 
of  foreign  nations,  may  be  removed  by  any  act  that 
can  produce  unanimity  among  all  parties  in 
America,  I  voluntarily  tender  to  you,  sir,  such 
means  as  I  possess  towards  promoting  so  desirable 
and  important  an  object;  which,  if  accomplished, 
cannot  fail  to  extinguish,  perhaps  forever,  those  ex- 
pectations abroad,  which  may  protract  indefinitely 
an  accommodation  of  existing  diflferences,  and  check 
the  progress  of  industry  and  prosperity  in  this  rising 
empire. 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  herewith,  the  docu- 
ments and  correspondence  relating  to  an  important 
mission,  in  which  i  was  employed  by  sir  James 
Craig,  the  late  governor  general  of  the  British  pro- 
vinces in  North  America,  in  the  winter  of  the  vear 
1809. 


■^ 


I 


» 


3,  1812. 


lave  con- 
ih  which 
requemly 
rassment, 
ly  foreign 
mild  their 
mt  of  this 
f  its  citi' 
ils  which 
he  policy 
act  that 

TIES   IN 

)ir,  such 
Jesirable 
iplished, 
hose  ex- 
efinitely 
cl  check 
|is  rising 

docU" 
tportant 
James 
Ish  pro- 
Ihe  vear 


The  publication  of  these  papers  will  demonstrate  a 
fact  not  less  valuable  than  the  good  already  proposed; 
it  will  prove  that  no  reliance  ought  to  be  placed  on 
the  professions  of  good  faith  of  an  administration, 
which,  by  a  series  of  disastrous  events,  has/aiien  into 
such  hands  as  a  Castlereagh,  a  Wellesley  or  a  Liver- 
pool....! should  rather  say,  into  the  hands  of  the  stu- 
pid subalterns,  to  whom  the  pleasures  and  the  indo- 
lence of  those  ministers  have  consigned  it.  In  con- 
tributing to  the  good  of  the  United  States  by  an  ex- 
position, which  cannot  (I  think)  fail  to  solve  and  melt 
all  division  and  disunion  among  its  citizens,  I  flatter 
myself  with  the  fond  expectation,  that  when  it  is 
made  public  in  England,  it  will  add  one  great  motive 
to  the  many  that  already  exist,  to  induce  that  nation 
to  withdraw  its  confidence  from  men,  whose  poli- 
tical CAREER  IS  A  FRUITFUL  SOURCE  OF  IN- 
JURY AND  EMBARRASSMENT  IN  AmERICA;  OF 
INJUSTICE  AND  MISERY  IN  IRELAND  ;  OF  DIS- 
TRESS AND  APPREHENSION  IN  EngLAND;  AND 
CONTEMPT   EVERY   WHERE. 

In  making  this  communication  to  you,  sir,  I  deem 
it  incumbent  on  me,  distinctly  and  unequivocally  to 
state,  that  I  adopt  no  party  views ;  that  I  have  not 
changed  any  of  my  political  opinions  ;  that  I  neither 
seek  nor  desire  the  patronage,  nor  countenance  of 
any  government,  nor  of  any  party  ;  anr!  tha  ^i  ad- 
dition to  the  motives  already  expressed,  I  am  i>  flu- 

ENCED  by  a  JUST  RESENTMENT  OF  THE  PERFIDY 
AND  DISHONOR  OF  THOSE  WHO  FIRST  VIOLATED 
THE   CONDITIONS   UPON   WHICH   I  REC  E IVED  THEIR 

confidence;  who  have  injured  me  and  disappoint- 
ed the  expectations  of  my  friends  ;  and  left  me  no 
choice,  but  between  a  degrading  acquiescence  in 
njustice,  and  a  retaliation  which  is  necessary  to  se- 
cure to  me  my  own  respect. 

This  wound  will  be  felt  where  it  is  merited  ;  and 
if  SIR  James  Craig  still  live,  his  share  of  the  pain 


6 

will  excite  no  sympathy  among  those  who  are  at  all 
in  the  secret  of  our  connection. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Sir,  your  obedient  servant,  &c  &c. 

(Signed)  J.  HENRY. 

To  James  Monroe^  esquire^ 

Secretary  of  State, 


No.  I. 

[COPY.] 

Mr.  Ryland^  Secretary  to  Sir  James  Craig,  Go- 
vernor General  of  Canada,  to  Mr,  Henry. 

Most  secret  and  conHdential. 

QUEBEC,  January  26,  1809. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, 

THE  extraordinary  situation  of  things  at 
this  time  in  the  neighbouring  states,  has  suggested 
to  the  governor  in  chief,  tiie  idea  of  employing 
you  on  a  secret  and  confidential  mission  to  Boston, 
provided  an  arrangement  can  be  made  to  meet  the 
important  end  in  view,  without  throwing  an  absolute 
obstacle  in  the  way  of  your  professional  pursuits. 
The  information  and  political  observations  heretofore 
recci'oed  from  you,  were  transmitted  by  his  excellency 
to  the  secretary  of  statCx  ivho  has  expressed  his  parti- 
cular  approbation  of  them ;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that 
your  able  execution  of  such  a  ?nission  as  I  have  above 
suggested,  would  give  you  claim,  not  only  on  the  gover- 
nor general,  but  on  his  majesty'' s  ministers,  \vhicl\ 
might  eventually  contribute  to  your  advantage.  You 
will  have  the  goodness  therefore  to  acquaint  me,  for 


e  at  all 


:c. 
SIRY. 


lig,  Go- 
enry. 


his  excellency's  information,  whether  you  could  make 
it  convenient  to  engage  in  a  mission  of  this  nature, 
and  what  pecuniary  assistance  would  be  requisite  to 
enable  vou  to  undertake  it  without  injury  to  your- 
self 

At  present  it  is  only  necessary  for  me  to  add,  that 
the  governor  would  furnish  you  with  a  cipher  for  car- 
rying on  your  correspondence  ;  and  that  in  case  the 
leading  party  in  any  of  the  states  wished  to  open  a 
communication  with  this  government,  their  views 
might  be  communicated  through  you. 

I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard. 
My  dear  sir, 
Your  most  faithful,  humble  servant, 

(Signed)  HERMAN  W.  RYLAND. 


L  1809. 

lings  at 
iggested 
iploying 
Boston, 
lect  the 
ibsolute 
ursuits. 
?retqfore 
ccellency 
IS  parti' 
uht  that 
)€  above 
e  gover-' 
which 
.  You 
mc,  for 


I 


I 


No.  II. 
[COPY.] 

Sir  James  Craig,  Governor  General  of  Canada, 
to  Mr.  Henry. 

Most  secret  and  confidential. 

QUEBEC,  6th  February,  1809. 

SIR, 

AS  you  have  so  readily  undertaken  the  ser« 
vice  which  I  have  suggested  to  you,  as  being  likely 
to  be  attended  with  much  benefit  to  the  public  in- 
terests,  I  am  to  request  that  with  your  earliest  con* 
vcniency,  you  will  proceed  to  Boston, 

The  principal  object  that  I  recommend  to  your 
attention,  is  the  endeavor  to  obtain  the  most  accu- 


8 


rate  information  of  the  true  state  of  affairs  in  that  part 
of  the  union,  which  from  its  weahh,  the  number  of 
its  inhabitants,  and  the  known  intelligence  and  ability 
of  several  of  its  leading  men,  must  naturally  possess 
a  very  considerable  influence  over,  and  will  indeed 
probably  lead  the  other  eastern  states  of  America  in 
the  part  that  they  may  take  at  this  important  crisis. 

I  shall  not  pretend  to  point  out  to  you  the  mode  by 
which  you  will  be  most  likely  to  obtain  this  important 
information ;  your  own  judgment  and  the  connec- 
tions which  you  may  have  in  the  town,  must  be  your 
guide.  I  think  it  however  necessary  to  put  you  on 
your  guard  against  the  sanguineness  of  an  aspiring 
party ;  the  federalists,  as  I  understand,  have  at  all 
times  discovered  a  leaning  to  this  disposition,  and 
their  being  under  its  particular  influence  at  this  mo- 
ment, is  the  more  to  be  expected  from  their  having 
no  ill  founded  ground  for  their  hopes  of  being  nearer 
the  attainment  of  their  object  than  they  have  been  for 
some  years  past. 

In  the  general  terms  which  I  have  made  use  of  in 
describing  the  object  which  I  recommend  to  your  at- 
tention, it  is  scarcely  necessary  that  I  should  observe, 
I  include  the  state  of  the  public  opinions,  both  with 
regard  to  their  internal  politics,  and  to  the  probability 
of  a  war  with  England ;  the  comparative  strength  of 
the  two  great  parties  into  which  the  country  is  divid- 
ed, and  the  views  and  designs  of  that  which  may  ulti- 
mately prevail. 

It  has  been  supposed  that  if  the  federalists  of  the 
eastern  states  should  be  successful  in  obtaining  that 
decided  influence,  which  may  enable  them  to  direct 
the  public  opinion,  it  is  not  improbable  that  rather 
than  submit  to  a  continuance  of  the  difiiculties  and 
distress  to  which  they  are  now  subject,  they  will  ex- 
ert that  influence  to  bring  about  a  separation  from  the 
general  union.  The  earliest  information  on  this  sub- 
ject  may  be  of  great  consequence  to  our  government. 


•^m 


.(■ 


9 


hat  part 
mber  of 
i  ability 
possess 
indeed 
lerica  in 
:risis. 
node  by 
nportant 
connec- 
be  your 
t  you  on 
aspiring 
re  at  all 
ion,  and 
this  mo- 
'  having 
ig  nearer 
been  for 

ise  of  in 
your  at- 
observe, 
oth  with 

bability 
ength  of 
lis  divid- 

ay  ulti- 

|s  of  the 
^ng  that 
;o  direct 
t  rather 
[ties  and 
Iwill  ex- 
ifom  the 
(lis  sub. 
nment, 


■^?' 


as  it  may  also  be,  that  it  should  be  informed  hotstfcu- 
In  such  an   event   they  would  look  up   to  England 
for  assistance   or  be  disposed  to  enter    into   a   con- 
nection  ivitb  us» 

Although  it  would  be  highly  inexpedient  that  you 
should  in  any  manner  appear  as  an  avowed  agent,  yet 
if  you  could  contrive  to  obtain  an  intimacy  with  any 
of  the  leading  party,  it  may  not  be  improper  that  yoil 
should  insinuate,  though  with  great  caution,  that  if 
they  should  wish  to  enter  into  any  communication  with 
our  government  through  me,  you  are  authorized  to  re- 
ceive  any  such^  and  will  safely  transmit  it  to  me;  and 
as  it  may  not  be  impossible  that  they  should  require 
some  document  by  which  they  may  be  assured  that 
you  are  really  in  the  situation  in  which  you  represent 
yourself,  I  enclose  a  credential  to  be  produced  in  that 
view ;  but  I  most  particularly  enjoin  and  direct  that 
you  do  not  make  any  use  of  this  paper,  unless  a  de- 
sire to  that  purpose  should  be  expressed,  and  unless 
you  see  good  ground  for  expecting  that  the  doing  so  may 
lead  to  a  more  confidential  communicationy  than  you  caa 
otherwise  look  for. 

In  passing  through  the  state  of  Vermont,  you  will 
of  course  exert  your  endeavors  to  procure  all  the  in- 
formation that  the  short  stay  you  will  probably  make 
there  will  admit  of.  You  will  use  your  own  discre- 
tion as  to  delaying  your  journey,  with  this  view,  more 
or  less,  in  proportion  to  your  prospects  of  obtaining 
any  information  of  consequence. 

I  request  to  hear  from  you  as  frequently  as  possible, 
and  as  letters  directed  to  me  might  excite  suspicion, 
it  may  be  as  well  that  you  put  them  under  cover  to 
Mr.  — ,  and  as  even  the  addressing  letters  al- 
ways to  the  same  person  might  attract  notice,  I  re- 
commend your  sometimes  addressing  your  packet  to 
the  chief  justice  here,  or  occasionally,  though  seldom^ 

2 


10 


to  Mr.  Ryland,  but  never  with  the  addition  of  his  of- 
ficial description. 

I  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

(Signed)  J.  H.  CRAIG. 

John  Henry,  Esq. 


No.  III. 

Copy  of  the  "  Credential  given  by  Sir  Jame^ 
Craig  to  Mr.  Henry. 

(Seal.). ...The  bearer,  Mr.  John  Henry,  is  em- 
ployed by  me,  and  full  confidence  may  be  placed  in 
him  for  any  communication  which  any  person  may 
wish  to  make  to  me  in  the  business  committed  to  him. 
In  faith  of  which  I  have  given  him  this  under  my 
hand  and  seal  at  Quebec,  the  6th  day  of  February, 
1809. 

(Signed)  J.H.CRAIG. 


3 


No.  IV. 

Copies  of  the  letters  from  Mr.  Henry  to  sir  Jaines  Craig,  rt' 
latinp;  to  his  mission  to  the  United  States,  in  the  year  1809. 

No.  1. 

Answer  to  the  letter  of  Mr.  Secretary  Ryland^ 
proposing  the  mission^  &c. 

MONTREAL,  January  51,  1809. 

SIR, 

I  Ikivc  to  acknowledge  the  favor  of  your  lettei 
of  ilic  2Glh  instant,  written  by  the  desire  of  hisexcl 


^ii 


11 


f  his  of- 


AIG. 


y^ 


amea 


IS  em- 
laced  in 
on  may 

I  to  Iiim. 
nder  my 
ebruary, 

[G. 


Craig,  rt- 
tr  180y. 


lylancU 
1809. 


jr  lettej 
sexc'l- 


lency  the  governor  in  chief,  and  hasten  to  express, 
through  you  to  his  excellency,  my  readiness  to  com- 
ply with  his  wishes. 

I  need  not  add  how  very  flattering  it  is  to  receive 
from  his  excellency  the  assurance  of  the  approbation 
of  his  majesty's  secretary  of  state,  for  the  very  hum- 
ble  services  that  I  may  have  rendered. 

If  the  nature  of  thie  service  in  which  I  am  to  be 
engaged  will  require  no  other  disbursements  than  ibr 
my  individual  expenses,  I  do  not  apprehend  that 
these  can  exceed  my  private  resources. 

I  shall  be  ready  to  take  my  departure  before  my  in- 
structions  can  be  made  out. 


1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 


J.  HENRY. 


H.  W.  Ryland,  Esq.  &c.  &c. 


No.  2. 

To  his  excellency  the  governor  general,  &c,  in 
atiswer  to  his  letter  of  instriictionsy  ^e. 

MONTREAL,  February  10,  1809. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  excellency's  letter  of  instructions,  the  letter 
of  credence,  and  the  cipher  for  carrying  on  my  cor. 
respondence.  I  have  bestowed  much  pains  upon  the 
cipher,  and  am,  notwithstanding  this,  deficient  in  some 
point  which  might  enable  me  to  understand  it  clear, 
ly.  I  have  compared  the  example  with  my  own  ex- 
emplification of  the  cipher,  and  find  a  diflercnce  in 
the  results ;  and  as  the  present  moment  seems  favora- 
ble to  the  interference  of  his  majesty's  government  in 
'ho  measures  pursued  by  the  federal  party  in  the 


I 


f 


12 


northern  states,  and  more  especially  as  the  assembly 
of  Massachusetts  is  now  in  session,  I  think  it  better 
to  set  forward  immediately,  than  wait  for  any  further 
explanation  of  the  means  of  carryinf^  on  a  secret  cor- 
respondence, which  the  frequency  of  safe  private  con- 
veyances to  Canada  will  render  almost  wholly  unne- 
cessary.   Should  it  however  be  necessary  at  any  time, 
I  take  leave  to  suggest  that  the  index  alone  furnishes 
a  very  safe  and  simple  mode.    In  it  there  is  a  number 
for  every  letter  in  the  alphabet,  and  particular  num- 
bers for  particular  phrases  :  so  that  when  I  do  not  find 
in  the  index  the  particular  word  I  want,  I  can  spell  it 
with  the  figures  which  stand  opposite  to  the  letters. 
For  example,  if  I  want  to  say  that  "  troops  are  at  Al- 
bany," I  find  under  the  letter  *♦'!'"  that  number  16 
stands  for  •*  troops"  and  number  125  for  "  Albany." 
The  intervening  words  '•'•  are  af^  I  supply  by  figures 
corresponding  with  the  letters  in  these  words. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  provide  against  accident  by 

addressing  the  letters  to  Mr. ,  of  Montreal, 

with  a  small  mark  on  the  corner  of  the  envelope, 
which  he  will  understand.  When  he  receives  it,  he 
will  then  address  the  inclosurc  to  your  excellency, 
and  send  it  from  Montreal  by  mail.  I  will  be  careful 
not  to  address  your  excellency  in  the  body  of  the  let- 
ter nor  sign  my  name  to  any  of  them  They  will  be 
merely  designated  by  the  initi»»ls  A.  B. 

If  this  mode  should  in  any  respect  appear  exception- 
able, your  excellency  will  have  the  goodness  to  order 
a  more  particular  explanation  of  the  card.     It  would 


reach  me  in  safety  inclosed  to 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 


Boston. 


With  profound  res[)cct, 

Your  ex'^:ellency*s  most  ob't  serv't,  gtc. 

J.  h1':nuy. 


lo 


No 


BURLINGTON,  VERMONT, 

February  14,  1809. 
SIR, 

I  have  remained  here  two  days  in  order  fully  to 
ascertain  the  progress  of  the  arrangements  heretofore 
made,  for  organizing  an  efficient  opposition  to  the  ge- 
neral government,  as  well  as  to  btcome  acquainted 
with  the  opinions  of  the  leading  people,  relative  to 
the  measures  of  that  party  which  has  the  ascendant 
in  the  national  councils. 

On  the  subject  of  the  embargo  laws  there  seems  to 
be  but  one  opinion  :  namely,  that  they  are  unneces- 
sary, oppressive  and  unconstitutional.  It  must  also  be 
observed  that  the  execution  of  them  is  so  invidious  as 
to  attract  towards  the  officers  of  government  the  en- 
mity of  the  people,  which  is  of  course  transferable  to 
the  government  itself;  so  that  in  case  the  state  of  Mas- 
sachusetts should  take  any  bold  step  towards  resist- 
ing the  execution  of  these  laws,  it  is  highly  probable 
that  it  may  calculate  upon  the  hearty  co-operation  of 
the  people  of  Vermont. 

I  learn  that  the  governor  of  this  state  is  now  visit, 
ing  the  towns  in  the  northern  section  of  it,  and 
makes  no  secret  of  his  determination,  as  commander 
in  chief  of  the  militia,  to  refuse  obedience  to  any 
command  from  the  general  government  which  can 
tend  to  interrupt  the  good  understanding  that  prevails 
between  the  citizens  of  Vermont  and  his  majesty's 
subjects  in  Canada.  It  is  further  intimated,  that,  in 
case  of  a  war,  he  will  use  his  influence  to  preserve 
this  state  neutral,  and  resist,  with  all  the  force  he  can 
command,  any  attempt  to  make  it  a  party.  I  need 
not  add,  that  if  these  resolutions  arc  carried  into  ef- 
fect, the  state  of  Vermont  may  be  considered  a-^  an 
ally  of  Great  Britain. 

To  what  extent  the  sentiments  which  prevail  in 
this  quarter  exist  in  the  neighboring  states,  or  even 


4.1 


u 


111  the  eastern  section  of  this  state,  I  am  not  able  to 
conjecture.  I  only  can  say,  with  certainty,  that  the 
leading  men  of  the  federal  party  act  in  concert;  and, 
therefore,  infer,  that  a  common  sentiment  pervades 
the  whole  body  throughout  New  England. 

I  have  seen  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  now  at  Wash- 
ington  to  his  correspondent  in  this  place ;  and  as  its 
contents  may  serve  to  throw  some  light  on  passing 
events  there,  I  shall  send  either  the  original  or  a  copy 
with  this  despatch.  The  writer  of  the  letter  is  a  man 
of  character  and  veracity ;  and  whether  competent  or 
not  to  form  correct  opinions  himself  is  probably  with- 
in the  reach  of  all  the  knowledge  that  can  be  obtain- 
ed by  the  party  to  which  he  belongs.  It  appears  by 
his  statement  that  there  is  a  very  formidable  majority 
in  congress  on  the  side  of  the  administration;  notwith- 
standing which,  there  is  every  reason  to  hope,  that  the 
northt  rn  states,  in  their  distinct  capacity,  will  unite  and 
resist  bv  force  a  war  with  Great  Britain.  In  what 
mode  this  resistance  will  first  shew  itself,  is  probably 
not  yet  determined  upon,  and  may,  in  some  measure, 
depend  upon  the  reliance  that  the  leading  men  may 
place  upon  assurances  of  support  from  his  majesty's 
representative  in  Canada ;  and  as  1  shall  be  on  the 
spot  to  tender  this  whenever  the  moment  arrives  that 
it  can  be  done  with  eftect,  there  is  no  doubt  that  all 
their  measures  may  be  made  subordinate  to  the  inten- 
tions of  his  majesty's  government.  Great  pains  are 
taken  by  the  mm  of  talents  and  intelligence  to  con. 
film  the  fears  of  the  common  people,  as  to  the  con. 
currence  of  the  southern  democrats  in  the  projects  of 
France ;  and  every  thing  tends  to  cticourag'^  the  be- 
lief, that  the  dissolution  of  the  conlederacy  will  be 
accelerated  by  the  spirit  which  now  actuates  both  pp. 
litical  parties. 

I  am,  &c. 

A.  B. 


1 


lot  able  to 
y,  that  the 
cert;  and, 
t  pervades 

f  at  Wash- 
and  as  its 
n  passing 
or  a  copy 
r  is  a  man 
npetent  or 
ably  with* 
be  obtain- 
ppears  by 
;  majority 
;  notwilh- 
e,  that  the 
I  unite  and 

In  what 

i  probably 

measure, 

men  may 

majesty's 

be  on  the 

rives  that 

}t  that  all 

the  iiiten« 

pains  are 

;c  to  con- 

I  the  con> 

rojccts  ol 

c  the  be- 

will  be 
both  pp» 


.  a 


I 


15 


No.  4. 


WINDSOR,  VERMONT 


Febr 


uary 


19.  1809. 


SIR, 


MY  last  (No.  3.)  was  written  at  Burlington, 
the  principal  town  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state  of 
Vermont.  I  am  now  at  the  principal  town  in  the 
eastern  section. 

The  fallacy  of  men's  opinions  when  they  act  under 
the  influence  of  sensibility,  and  are  strongly  excited 
by  those  hopes  which  always  animate  a  rising  party, 
led  me  to  doubt  the  correctness  of  the  opinions  which 
I  received  in  the  northern  section  of  this  state ;  which, 
from  its  contiguity  to  Canada  and  necessary  inter- 
course with  Montreal,  has  a  stronger  interest  in  pro- 
moting a  good  understanding  with  his  majesty's  go- 
vernment.  Therefore,  since  my  departure  from  Bur- 
lington, I  have  sought  every  favorable  occasion  of 
conversing  with  the  democrats  on  the  probable  result 
of  the  policy  adopted  by  the  general  government. 
The  difference  of  opinion  is  thus  expressed. 

The  federal  party  declare,  that  in  the  event  of  a 
war,  the  state  of  Vermont  will  treat  separately  for 
itself  with  Great  Britain  ;  and  support  to  the  utmost 
the  stipulations  into  which  it  may  enter  without  any 
regard  to  the  policy  of  the  general  government.  The 
democrats  on  the  other  hand  assert,  that,  in  such  a 
case  as  that  contemplated,  the  pcoi)le  would  be  nearly 
divided  into  equal  numbers ;  one  of  which  would 
support  the  government  if  it  could  be  done  without 
involving  the  people  in  a  civil  war;  but  at  all  events 
would  risk  every  thing  in  preference  to  a  coLiiition 
with  Great  Britain.  This  difference  of  opinion  is  not 
to  be  wholly  ascribed  to  the  prejudices  of  party. 
The  people  in  the  eastern  section  of  Vermont  are 
not  operated  upon  by  the  same  hopes  and  fears  as 
those  on  the  borders  of  the  British  colony.     They 


«;■ 


M 


ivd 


w 


I; 


ii'ii 


;i 


10 


afe  not  dependent  on  Montreal  for  the  sale  of  their 
produce  nor  the  supply  of  foreign  commodities. 
They  are  not  apprehensive  of  any  serious  dangers  Or 
inconvenience  from  a  state  of  war;  and  although  they 
admit  that  the  governor,  council  and  three-fourths  of 
the  representation  in  congress  are  of  the  federal  party, 
yet  they  do  not  believe  that  the  state  would  stand 
alone  and  resist  the  national  government.  They  do 
not  however  deny,  that  should  the  state  of  Vermont 
continue  to  be  represented  as  it  is  at  present,  it  would 
in  all  probability  unite  with  the  neighboring  states, 
in  any  serious  plan  of  resistance  to  a  war,  which  it 
might  seem  expedient  to  adopt.  This  1  think  is  the 
safer  opinion  for  you  to  rely  on ;  if  indeed  reliance 
ought  to  be  placed  on  any  measure  depending  on 
the  will  of  the  rabble,  which  is  ever  changing  and 
must  ever  be  marked  with  ignorance,  caprice  and  in- 
constancy. As  the  crisis  approaches,  the  difficulty 
of  deciding  upon  a  hazardous  alternative  will  in* 
crease ;  and  unfortunately  there  is  not  in  Vermont  any 
man  of  commanding  talents,  .capable  of  attracting 
general  conjidence ;  of  infusing  into  the  people  his 
own  spirit ;  and,  amidst  the  confusion  of  conflictin 
opinions,  dangers  and  commotion,  competent  to  lea 
in  the  path  of  duty  or  safety.  The  governor  is  a 
prudent,  industrious  man,  and  has  more  personal  in- 
fluence  than  any  other  :  but  his  abilities  are  not  suited 
to  the  situation  in  which  a  civil  war  would  placr 
him. 


t  am,  &c. 


/V%  B« 


$ 


'( 


1  ■ 


it. 


17 


ig  states, 

which  it 

tic  is  the 

reliance 

iding  on 

;ing  and 

:  and  in- 

difficuhy 

will   in* 

nont  any 

ttracting 

sple   his 

inflicting 

It  to  lead 

rnor  is  a 

ional  in- 

)t  suited 

placr 


B, 


No.  5. 

AMHERST,  N.  H. 

February  23,  1S09. 

SIR, 

A  gentleman  pjoing  direct  to  Canada,  aflbrds 
a  safe  and  iavorable  opjiortunity  of  giving  you  some 
further  accoiuit  of  my  prc^gress.  I  will  not  make  use 
of  the  post  offices,  when  1  can  avoid  ;  because  pri- 
vate occasions  supersede  the  necessity  of  writing  in 
ciplier  ;  and  the  contempt  of  decency  and  principle, 
which  forms  part  of  the  morals  of  the  subaltern  offi- 
cers of  a  democracy,  would  incline  them  to  break  a 
seal  with  the  same  ii.difterence  that  they  break  their 
words,  when  either  curiosity  or  interest  is  to  be  in- 
dulged. 

I  have  not  had  suflicient  time  nor  evidence,  to 
enable  me  to  form  any  opinion  for  myself  of  the 
lengths  to  which  the  feciei  ai  party  vv  ill  carry  their  op- 
position to  the  national  [government  in  the  t.vent  of  a 
war.  Much  may  be  inferred  from  the  result  of  the 
elections  of  governors,  which  wiilrin  two  month-,  will 
be  made  in  the  states  of  Massachusetts,  New  Hainp- 
shire  and  Rhode  Iblancl.  From  all  1  know  and  all  I 
cai\  learn  of  the  ge;ieral  government,  1  am  not  appre- 
hensive of  an  immediate  war.  I'he  enibargo  is  the 
favorite  measure  ;  and  it  is  probable  that  other  means 
will  be  employed  to  excite  Kngland  to  coniinit  some 
acts  of  hostility,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  plaeiug  the  re- 
sponsibility of  war  on  tliat  country  :  this  I  most  par- 
ticularly recommend  to  the  eonsider.ition  of  ministerg. 
The  dread  of  opposition,  and  of  the  loss  of  popularity, 
will  certainly  keep  the  'uliiif^  p.iity  at  VVashingtorun- 
activc.  They  will  risk  any  ihin-^' but  the  loss  of  power ; 
and  they  are  well  aw.re  tlul  ilmr  power  would 
pass  away  with  the  first  calamity  which  their  lueusurcH 


kii; 


V 


18 


Jtiight  brine^  upon  the  common  people  (from  whom 
that  poTV'er  emanates,)  unless  indeed  they  could  find  a 
sufficient  excuse  in  the  conduct  of  Great  Britain.  This 
impression  cannot  be  too  deeply  felt  by  his  mnjestv's 
ministers  ;  nor  too  widely  spread  throughout  the  Bri- 
tish nation.  It  will  furnish  a  sure  guide  in  every  po- 
licy that  may  be  adopted  towards  the  United  States. 


I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 


A.  B» 


f  i 


No.  6. 

BOSTON,  March  5,  1809. 

SIR, 

I  am  favored  with  another  opportunity  of  writing 
to  you  by  a  private  conveyance ;  and  think  it  proba- 
ble,  at  this  season,  that  the  frequency  of  these  will 
render  it  unnecessary  to  write  to  you  in  cipher. 

It  does  not  yet  appear  necessary,  that  1  should  dis- 
cover to  any  person  he  purpose  of  my  visit  to  Boston; 
nor  is  it  probable  that  I  shall  be  compelled,  for  the 
sake  of  training  more  knowledge  of  the  arrangements 
of  tire  iederai  parly  in  these  states,  to  avow  myself  as 
a  regular  authorized  agent  of  the  British  government, 
even  to  those  iiiHvi' vials  who  would  feel  equally 
bound  with  myscli  to  preserve,  with  the  utmost  in- 
scruiability,  so  important  a  secret  from  the  public 
eye. 

/  //a'oe  sujficicnt  means  of  information  to  enable  me  to 
judre  of  the  proper  pet  iod  for  offering  the  co  operation 
of  Great  Britain,  and  opening  a  correspondence  between 
tie  goiicrnor  general  of  British  America  and  those  in- 
dividtia/s  ivho  from  the  part  they  take  in  the  opposition 
$0  the  national  government f  or  the  ir^/iucnce  tiey  may 


m 


4 
# 


^r- 


•.^. 


f 


19 


possess  in  any  Tieiv  order  of  things,  that  may  grov)  out 
of  the  present  differences,  should  be  quaiincd  lo  act  on 
behalf  of  the  northern  olaies.  An  apprehension  of 
any  such  state  of  thiui^s,  as  is  pre-supposed  by  these 
remarks,  bejrinb  to  subside,  since  it  has  ai)peared,  by 
the  condiu  ■  of  the  g'  ntral  ^ov.crnment,  that  it  is 
seriously  iJcuTivd  at  the  menacing  attitude  of  the 
northern  staus.  B'lt  although  it  is  believed  that 
there  is  no  prc<:  ''.'.y  of  an  immediate  war,  yet  no 
doubts  are  cnten.  ;  i,  that  Mr  Madison  will  flUl 
upon  sonic  new  exp  u-  ts  to  bring  about  hostilities. 
Wb.at  these  ivay  hi  c;in  only  be  deduced  from  whfit 
appears  to  b.-  iiiMctioa'/le.  A  non-intercour'se  with 
England  anr'  Fiance  will  probably  supersede  the  em- 
bargo ;  whi'  h,  bv  opening  with  the  rest  of  Europe  a 
partial  legitimate  commerce,  and  affording  strong 
temptj^iions  to  that  which  is  illegal,  will  expose  the 
vessels  to  capture,  detention  and  embarrassment;  will 
justify  the  present  policy,  and  produce  such  a  degree 
of  irritation  and  resentment  aSsAvill  enable  the  govern- 
ment of  this  country  to  throw  the  whole  blame  and 
responsibility  of  war  from  its  own  shoulders  upon 
those  of  the  British  ministry.  If  in  this,  the  party 
attached  to  France  should  calculate  with  correctness, 
and  the  commerce  of  New  England  should  greatly 
suffer ;  the  merchants,  being  injured  and  discouraged', 
would  not  only  acquiesce  in  the  restrictive  system, 
but  even  submit  to  war.  >  On  the  other  hand,  should 
the  small  traffic  permitted  by  a  non-intercourse  law 
be  lucrative  and  uninterrupted,  the  people  would  be 
clamorous  for  more,  and  soon  compel  the  government 
to  restore  the  friendly  relations  between  the  two  coun- 
tries. While  I  offer  my  opinion  upon  this  subject, 
I  cannot  but  express  a  strong  hope,  that  if  any  terms 
should  be  proposed  by  either  government,  to  which 
the  other  might  think  proper  to  accede,  that  a  prin. 
cipal  motive  to  the  adjustment  of  differences  should 
,be  understood  to  arisic  from  the  amicable  disposition 


20 


K 


!l 


m 


t 


of  the  eastern  states,  particularly  of  the  state  of  Mas- 
sachuseris.  This,  as  it  would  increase  ihe  popularity 
of  the  friends  of  Great  Britain,  could  not  fail  to  pro- 
mote her  interests.  If  it  could  not  be  done  formally 
and  oflioially,  nor  in  a  correspondence  between  minis- 
ters, still  i^erhaps  the  administration  in  the  parliament 
of  Great  Britain  might  take  that  ^;round,  and  the  sug- 
gestion  would  find  its  way  into  the  papers  both  in 
England  and  America. 

It  cannot  be  t'>o  frequendy  repeated,  that  this  coun- 
try can  only  be  governed  and  directed  by  the  influence 
of  opinion  ;  as  there  is  nothing  permanent  in  its  poli- 
tical institutions,  nor  are  the  populace  under  any  cir- 
cumstances to  be  rehed  on,  when  measures  become 
inconvenient  and  burdensome. 


I  will  soon  write  again,  and  am.  Sec. 


A.  B. 


(In  Cipher.) 


SIR, 


No.  7. 


BOSTON,  March  7,  1809. 


I  have  now  ascertained,  with  as  much  accura- 
cy as  possible,  the  course  intended  to  be  pursued  by 
the  party  in  Massachusetts  that  is  opposed  to  the 
measuies  and  politics  of  the  administration  of  the 
general  government. 

I  have  already  given  a  decided  opinion  that  a  de- 
claration of  war  is  not  to  be  expected  ;  but,  contrary 
to  all  reasonable  calculation,  should  the  congress 
possess  spirit  and  independence  enougli  to  place  tlieir 
popularity  in  jt  opardy  l)y  so  Mrong  a  measure,  the 
legislature  of  Massachusetts  will  \^i\c  the  tone  to  the 


,H''r 


'h\ 


^** 


i 


21 


% 


neighboring  slates;  will  declare  itself  permanent 
until  a  new  election  of  members ;  invite  a  congress, 
to  be  composed  of  delegates  from  the  federal  slates, 
and  erect  a  separate  government  for  their  common 
defence  and  common  interest. 

Tliis  congress  would  probably  begin  by  abrogating 
the  oftcnsivt  laws,  and  adopting  a  plan  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  power  and  authority  thus  assumed. 
They  would  by  such  an  act  be  in  a  condition  to  make 
or  receive  proposals  from  Great  Britain  ;  and  I  should 
seize  the  first  moment  to  open  a  correspondence  with 
your  excellency.  Scarce  any  other  aid  would  be  ne- 
cessary, and  perhaps  none  required,  than  a  few  vessels 
of  war  from  the  Halifix  station,  to  protect  the  mari- 
time towns  from  the  little  navy  which  is  at  the  dispo- 
sal of  th?  national  government.  What  permanent 
connection  between  Great  Britain  and  this  section  of 
the  republic  would  grow  out  of  a  civil  commotion, 
such  as  might  be  expected,  no  person  is  prepared  to 
describe  ;  but  it  seems  that  a  strict  alliance  must  re- 
sult of  necessity.  At  present  the  opposition  party 
confint  their  calculations  merely  to  resistance ;  and  I 
can  assure  you  that  at  this  moment  they  do  not  freely 
enteitain  the  project  of  withdrawing  the  eastern  states 
from  the  union,  finding  it  a  very  unpopular  topic ;  aU 
though  a  course  of  events,  such  as  I  have  already 
mentioned,  would  inevitably  produce  an  incurable 
alienation  of  the  New-England  from  the  southern 
states.  The  truth  is,  the  common  people  have  so 
Jong  regarded  the  constitution  of  the  United  States 
with  complacency,  that  ihey  are  now  only  disposed 
in  this  quarter  to  treat  it  like  a  truant  mistress,  whom 
tiicy  would  for  a  time  put  away  on  a  separate  main- 
tcnance,  but,  without  farther  and  greater  provocation, 
would  not  absolutely  repudiate. 

It  will  soon  be  known  in  what  situation  public 
affairs  are  to  remain  until  the  meeting  ot  the  new 
congress  in  May  j  at  which  time  also  this  K-gislaturc 


h< 


si 


22 


tvill  again  assemble.     The  two  months  that  intervene 
will  \tt  p  period  of  much  anxiety. 

In  all  I  have  written,  I  have  been  careful  not  to 
make  any  impression  analogous  t  >  the  enthusiastic 
confidence  entertained  by  the  opposition,  nor  to  the 
hope's  and  expf'cfatioris  that  animate  the  friends  of  an 
allianLi  Ix  t'vtf^n  the  northern  states  and  Great  Britain. 
I  have  abstractc  d  unsp'.f  from  all  the  sympathies  these 
are  calculated  to  inspire :  because,  notwithstan'^?rr< 
that  I  feel  im  utmost  confidence  in  the  inter;;.  <ty  oi 
intention  of  the  leading  characters  in  this  political 
drama,  I  cannot  forget  that  they  derive  uif'ir  powjr 
from  a  giddy  inconstant  multitude;  w^  )  unless  in 
the  instance  under  consideration  they  form  an  excep- 
tion to  all  general  rules  and  ekperience,  vvJU  act  in- 
consistently and  absurdly. 

I  am,  &Ce 

A.  B. 


No.  8. 

BOSTON,  March  9,  18C^. 
SIR, 

In  my  letter  No.  6, 1  took  the  liberty  to  express 
my  opinion  of  the  probable  effect  of  the  non-inter- 
course  law,  intended  to  h :  er  <ctf  d  ;  and  of  the  mc  :!e 
by  which  Great  Britain  mvy  ;  '->  '^  the  n  .  intention 
of  the  American  goverr."  •  :.  Aa  ,.assing  it.  But  as  the 
sortof  impunity  recommended  might,  in  its  applica- 
tion to  every  species  of  commerce  that  would  be  car- 
rivfd  on,  be  deemed  by  Great  Britain  a  greater  evil  than 
war  itself,  a  middle  course  might  be  easily  adopted, 


■^B 


whici 
from! 
degrj 
Til 
fumil 
be  uf 
But 
whic| 
comi 
Britil 
theft 
a  coi 
pros( 
shou 
ownt 
marls 
save 
I  in  a 
to  E 
prod 
Unit 
beco 
to  re 
resol 
racy, 
wou 
the  1 
to  c 
lone 

'I 

anc( 

oftl 


1 

intt 

niq 


^3 


lat  intervene 

reful  not  to 
enthusiastic 
,  nor  to  the 
friends  of  an 
reat  Britain, 
•athies  thcKO 
'ithstan'^'i'^ 
inte[?/!ty  oi 
lis  p'llity.'al 
oeir  powjr 
unless  in 
1  an  excp- 
v^Uact  in- 


A.  B. 


ISC^. 


to  express 
rion-inter- 
the  mr:!e 

intention 
3ut  as  the 

applica. 

Id  be  car- 

•  evil  than 

adopted, 


I 


A 


which  would  deprive  Frar  ce  of  the  benefits  resulting 
from  an .  interoo'irs  with  America,  without,  in  any 
degree,  irritating  the  maritime  states. 

The  high  pricr  of  all  American  produce  in  France 
furnishes  a  temptation  which  mercantile  avarice  will 
be  unable  to  resisc.  The  conbcquence  is  obvious. 
But  if,  mstead  of  condemning  the  vessels  and  cargoes 
which  may  be  arrested  in  pursuing  this  prohibited 
commerce,  they  should  I.^e  comp«  lied  to  go  into  a 
British  port,  and  there  permitted  to  sell  them,  1  think 
the  friends  of  England  in  these  states  would  not  utter 
a  complaint.  Indeed,  I  have  no  doubt  that  if,  in  the 
prosecution  of  a  lawful  voyage,  the  British  cruisers 
should  treat  the  American  ships  in  this  manner,  their 
owners  would,  in  the  present  state  of  the  European 
markets,  think  themselves  very  fortunate,  as  it  would 
save  them  the  trouble  and  expense  of  landinr  them 
in  a  neutral  port,  and  from  thtnce  re-shippirg  them 
to  England,  now  the  best  market  in  Europe  for  the 
produce  of  this  country.  The  government  rf  the 
United  States  would  probably  complain  and  Bona  .larte 
become  peremptory  ;  but  even  that  would  only  tend 
to  render  the  opposition  in  the  northern  states  more 
resolute  and  acrekrate  the  dissolution  of  the  confede- 
racy. The  gei.'erorJty  and  justice  of  Great  Britain 
would  be  extolled,  and  the*  commercial  states  exult  in 
the  successof  individu;  !;>  over  a  government  inimical 
to  commerce,  aod  to  wiiose  measures  they  can  no 
longer  submit  with  patiejit  acquiescence. 

The  elections  are  begun  ;  and  I  presume  no  vigil- 
ance or  industry  will  be  remitted  to  insure  the  success 
of  the  federal  party. 


I  lAm,  he. 


A.B. 


P.  S.  Intelligence  has  ceached  Boston  that  a  non- 
intercourse  law  has  actually  passed,  and  that  Marti- 
nique has  5.urrendercd  to  the  British  forces. 


24 


No.  9. 


I 


I.    I 
I  : 


BOSTON,  March  13,  1809. 

SIH, 

You  will  perceive  from  tlie  accounts  that  will 
reach  you  in  the  public  papers  boih  from  Washing- 
ton and  Massachusetts,  th;»t  the  federalists  of  ihc 
northern  states  have  succeeded  in  maknig  the  con. 
gress  believe,  that  with  such  an  opposition  as  tliey 
would  make  to  the  general  government,  a  war  must 
be  confined  to  their  own  territory,  and  might  be  even 
too  much  for  that  government  to  sustain.  Tlie  con- 
sequence is,  that  after  all  the  parade  and  men;ices  with 
which  the  session  commenced,  it  has  been  suffered 
to  end  without  carrying  into  effect  any  of  the  plans  of 
the  administration,  rxcept  the  interdiction  of  commer- 
cial intercourse  with  England  and  Frunce,  an  event 
that  was  anticipated  in  my  former  letters 

Under  what  new  circumstmces  the  congress  will 
meet  in  May,  will  depend  on  the  state  ekciions  and 
the  changes  that  may  in  iht  mean  time  take  place  in 
Kurope.  With  regard  to  Great  Britain,  she  can 
scarce  mistake  her  true  policy  in  relation  to  America. 
If  peace  be  the  first  object,  every  act  which  can 
irritate  the  maritime  stiltes  ought  to  be  avoided  ;  be- 
cause the  prevailing  disposition  of  tluse  will  gciu  ral- 
ly be  sufficient  to  keep  the  government  from  hazard- 
ing any  hostile  measure.  II"  a  war  between  Ami  rica 
and  France  be  a  grand  desideratum,  something  more 
must  be  done  :  an  indulgent  and  conciliatory  policy 
must  be  adopted,  which  will  have  the  di  mocrais  with, 
out  a  pretext  for  hostilities,  and  Bonaparte  whosi-  pas- 
sions are  too  hot  for  delay,  will  probably  compel  this 
governn»cnt  to  dicide  wlii(!fl\  ol'  the  two  great  bellige. 
rents  is  to  be  its  enemy.  To  bring  about  a  separa- 
ion  of  the  states,  under  distiiv.t  and  independent  go. 


i 


25 


s  that  will 
Washing- 
■sts  (if  ihc 
r  the  con. 
)n  as  they 

war  must 
ht  In-  (.veil 

Tlie  con- 
naces  with 
m  suffered 
he  plans  of 
if  coinmcr- 
;,  an  event 

grcss  will 
lions  and 
e  place  in 
,  she  can 
America. 
Ivhich  can 
iiUd  ;  be- 
ll ^ciu  ral- 
n  hazaid- 
Ami  rica 
|nng  more 
)ry  policy 
rais  with- 
hosi'  pas- 
mpel  iWib 
»t  iK'Hi^'C. 
a  separa- 
lnd»;nt  j^o. 


% 


vernments,  is  an  aB\\r  of  more  uncertainty ;  and, 
however  desirable,  cannot  be  effected  but  by  a  series 
of  acts  and  a  long  continued  policy,  tending  to  irritate 
the  southern  and  conciliate  the  northern  people.  The 
former  are  agricultural,  the  latter  a  commercial  peo. 
pie.  The  mode  of  cherishing  and  depressing  either 
is  too  obvious  to  require  illustration.  This,  I  am 
aware,  is  an  object  of  much  interest  in  Great  Britain, 
as  it  would  forever  secure  the  integrity  of  his  majes- 
ty's possessions  on  this  continent,  and  make  the  two 
governments,  or  whatever  number  the  present  con- 
federacy might  form  into,  as  useful  and  as  much  sub- 
ject to  the  influence  of  Great  Britain  as  her  colonies 
can  be  rendered.  But  it  is  an  object  only  to  be  at- 
tained by  slow  and  circumspect  progression,  and  re- 
quires for  its  consummation  more  attention  to  the  af- 
fairs which  agitate  and  excite  parties  in  this  ccuntry, 
than  Great  Britain  has  yet  bestowed  upon  it.  An 
tmpopular  war — that  is,  a  war  produced  by  the  hatred 
and  prejudices  of  one  party,  but  against  the  consent 
of  the  other  parly,  can  alone  produce  a  sudden  sepa- 
tion  of  any  section  of  this  country  from  the  common 
head. 

At  all  events,  it  cannot  be  necessary  to  the  preser- 
vation of  peace,  that  Great  Britain  should  make  any 
great  concession  at  the  present  moment ;  more  espe- 
cially as  the  more  important  changes  that  occur  in 
Europe  might  render  it  inconvenient  for  her  to  ad- 
here to  any  stipulations  in  favor  of  neutral  maritime 
nations. 

Although  the  non-intercourse  law  affords  but  a  very 
partial  relief  to  the  people  of  this  country  from  the 
evils  of  that  entire  suspension  of  commerce  to  which 
they  have  reluctantly  submitted  for  some  time  past, 
I  lament  the  repeal  of  the  embargo,  because  it  was 
calculated  to  accelerate  the  progress  of  these  states 
towards  a  revolution  that  would  have  nut  an  end  to 
the  only  republic  that  remains  to  prove  that  a  govern- 

4 


if 


!'■) 


26 


Qtent  founded  on  political  equality  can  exist  in  a  sea- 
son >f  trial  and  difficulty,  or  is  calculated  to  insure 
dthcr  security  or  happiness  to  a  people. 


I  am,  &c. 


A.  B. 


I" 


w 


Ml 


No.  10. 

BOSTON,  March  29,  1800. 

SIR, 

Since  my  letter  of  the  13th,  nothing  has  occur- 
red which  I  thought  worthy  of  a  communication 

The  last  weeks  of  this  month  and  the  first  oi  .i,ril 
will  be  occupied  in  the  election  of  governf>rs  und 
other  executive  officers,  in  the  New  England  slates. 

The  federal  candidate  in  New  Hampshire  is  already 
elected,  by  a  majority  of  about  1000  votes.  His 
competitor  was  a  man  of  large  fortune,  extensive 
connexions  and  inofiensivc  manners.  These  account 
for  the  smallncss  of  the  majority. 

In  Connecticut,  no  change  is  necessary,  and  none 
is  to  be  apprehended. 

In  Rhode  Island,  it  is  of  no  consequence  of  what 
party  the  governor  is  a  member,  as  he  has  neither  ci- 
vil nor  military  power,  being  merely  president  of  the 
council. 

In  Massachusetts,  it  is  certain  that  the  federal  can- 
didate will  succeed. 

A  few  weeks  will  be  sufficient,  in  order  to  deter- 
mine  the  relative  strength  of  parties,  and  convince 
Mr.  Madison  that  a  war  with  Great  Britain  is  not 
a  measure  upon  which  he  dare  v^-nlure.  Since  the 
plan  of  an  organized  opposition  to  the  projects  of  Mr. 
Jcffiirson  was  put  into  operation,  the  whole  of  the 


1 


^ 


New  England  states  have  transferred  their  political 
power  to  his  pulitical  enemies ;  and  the  reason  that  he 
has  still  so  many  adherents  is,  that  those  who  consider 
the  only  true  policy  of  America  to  consist  in  the  cuU 
tivatiun  of  peace,  have  still  great  confidence,  that 
nothing  can  force  him  (or  his  successor,  who  acts  up 
to  his  system,  or  rather  is  governed  by  it)  to  consent 
to  war.  They  consider  all  the  menaces  and  "  dread* 
ful  note  of  preparation"  to  be  a  mere  finesse,  intended 
only  to  obtain  concessions  from  England  on  cheap 
terms.  From  every  sort  of  evidence,  I  confess  I  am 
myself  of  the  s<ime  opinion  ;  and  am  fully  persuaded 
that  this  farce  which  has  been  acting  at  Washington 
will  terminate  in  a  full  proof  of  the  imbecility  and 
spiritless  temper  of  the  actors.  A  war  attempted 
without  the  concurrence  of  both  parties,  and  the 
general  consent  of  the  northern  states,  which  consti- 
tute the  bone  and  musr.lc  of  the  country,  must  com- 
mence without  hope,  and  end  in  disgrace.  It  should^ 
tlierefore,  be  the  peculiar  care  of  Great  Britain  to 
foster  divisions  between  the  north  and  south ;  and  by 
succeeding  in  this,  she  may  carry  into  effect  her  own 
projects  in  Europe,  with  a  total  disregard  of  th6  r9> 
^entments  of  the  democrats  of  this  country. 

I  am,  See. 

A.  B. 


No.   11. 

BOSTON,  April  13,  1809. 
SIK, 

I  send  to  Mr.  R.  n  pamphlet  entitled  •'  Sup. 
pressed  Documents.''  The  notes  and  comments 
were  written  by  the  gentleman  who  has  vvrirtrn  the 
''-  analysis,"  which  1  sent  by  a  furmcr  convcyanoe. 


Il  i 


28 


These  works  have  greatly  contributed  to  excite  the 
fears  of  the  men  of  talents  and  property,  who  now 
prefer  the  chance  of  'maintaining  their  party  by  open 
resistance  and  a  final  separation^  to  an  alliance  with 
France  and  a  war  with  England :  so  that,  should  the 
government,  unexpectedly  and  contrary  to  all  reason- 
able calculation,  attempt  to  involve  the  country  in  a 
measure  of  that  nature,  I  am  convinced  (now  that  the 
elections  have  all  terminated  favorably)  that  none  of 
the  New  England  states  would  be  a  party  in  it.  But, 
as  I  have  repeatedly  written,  the  general  government 
does  not  seriously  entertain  any  such  desire  or  inten- 
tion. Had  the  majority  in  the  New  England  states 
continued  to  approve  of  the  public  measures,  it  is 
extremely  probable  that  Great  Britain  would  now 
have  to  choose  between  war  and  concession.  But 
the  aspect  of  things  in  this  respect  is  changed ;  and 
a  war  would  produce  an  incurable  alienation  of  the 
eastern  states,  and  bring  the  whole  country  in  subor- 
dination to  the  interests  of  England,  whose  navy 
would  prescribe  and  enforce  the  terms  upon  which 
the  commercial  states  should  carry,  and  the  agricul- 
tural states  export,  their  surplus  produce.  All  this 
is  as  well  known  to  the  democrats  as  to  the  other 
party ;  therefore  they  will  avoid  a  war,  at  least  until 
the  whole  nation  is  unanimous  for  it.  Still,  when  we 
consider  of  what  materials  the  government  is  formed, 
it  is  impossible  to  speak  with  any  certainty  of  their 
measures.  The  past  administration,  in  every  trans- 
action, presents  to  the  mind  only  a  muddy  commix- 
ture  of  fjlly,  weakness  and  duplicity.  The  spell, 
by  which  the  nations  of  Europe  have  been  rendered 
inert  and  ineflieicnt  when  they  attempted  to  shake  it 
off',  has  stretched  its  shadows  across  the  Atlantic,  and 
made  a  majority  of  the  pt  oi)le  of  these  states  alike 
blind  to  duty  and  their  true  interests. 


I  am,  Sec. 


A.  B. 


29 


excite  the 
who  now 
ty  by  open 
ance  with 
ihoul4  the 
ill  reason- 
untry  in  a 
w  that  the 
at  none  of 
lit.    But, 
3vernment 
;  or  inten- 
and  states 
jres,  it  is 
ould  now 
lion.     But 
iged;  and 
on  of  the 
in  subor- 
lose  navy 
>on  which 
le  agricul- 
All  this 
the  other 
least  until 
,  when  we 
is  formed, 
of  their 
ery  trans- 
commix- 
The  spell, 
rendered 
o  shake  it 
antic,  and 
ales  alike 


fc . , '  ■:  1,  . 


No.  12. 


^■. 


BOSTON,  April  26,  1809. 


SIR,   ,  ::  .:'\  

Since  my  letter  No.  11,  I  have  had  but  little 
to  communicate. 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  ascertain  with  sufficient 
accuracy  the  relative  strength  of  the  two  parties  in  the 
legislative  bodies  in  New  England. 

In  all  of  Uiese  states,  however,  governors  have  been 
elected  out  of  the  federal  party,  and  even  the  southern 
papers  indicate  an  unexpected  augmentation  of  federal 
members  in  the  next  congress. 

The  correspondence  between  Mr.  Erskine  and  the 
secretary  of  state  at  Washington,  you  will  have  seen 
before  this  can  reach  you.  It  has  given  much  satis- 
faction to  the  federal  party  here  ;  because  it  promises 
an  exemption  from  the  evil  they  most  feared  (a  war 
with  England)  and  justifies  their  partiality  towards 
Great  Britain,  which  they  maintain  was  founded  upon 
a  full  conviction  of  her  justice  and  sincere  disposition 
to  preserve  peace.  Even  the  democrats  affect  to  be 
satisfied  with  it,  because,  as  they  insist,  it  proves-  the 
efficacy  of  the  restrictive  system  of  Mr.  Jefferson. 

But  the  great  benefit  that  will  probably  result  from 
it,  will  be,  that  Bonaparte  may  be  induced  to  force 
this  country  from  her  neutral  position.  Baffled  in  his 
attempts  to  exclude  from  the  continent  the  manufac- 
tures of  Great  Brita'.n,  he  will  most  likely  confiscate 
all  American  property  in  his  dominions  and  depen- 
dencies, and  declare  war.  Nothing  could,  more  than 
this,  contribute  to  give  influence  and  stability  to  the 
British  party.  The  invidious  occurrences  of  the  re- 
bellion would  be  forgotten  in  the  resentment  of  the 
people  against  France  ;  and  they  would  soon  be  wean- 
ed from  that  attuchmcut  to  her  which  is  founded  on  the 


.  B. 


'«''!:;  fl 


\'\  ' 


I  ■. 


ao 


aid  that  was  rendered  to  separate  from  the  mother 
country. 

While  Great  Brita^rf' waits  for  this  natural,  I  might 
say  necessary  resuh  of  the  negotiation,  would  it  not  be 
extremely  inexpedient  to  conclude  a  treaty  with  the 
American  government  ?  Every  sort  of  evidence  and 
experience  prove,  that  the  democrats  consider  their 
political  ascendancy  in  a  great  measure  dependent 
on  the  hostile  spirit  that  they  can  keep  ahve  towards 
Great  Britain,  and  recent  events  demonstrate  that  their 
conduct  will  be  predicated  upon  that  conviction  :  it  is 
therefore  not  to  be  expected  that  they  will  meet  with 
corresponding  feelings  a  sincere  disposition  on  the 
part  of  England  to  adjust  all  matters  in  dispute.  They 
are  at  heart  mortified  and  disappointed  to  find  that  Great 
Britain  has  been  in  advance  of  the  French  government 
in  taking  advantage  of  the  provisional  clauses  of  the 
non-intercourse  law  ;  and  if  they  shew  any  spirit  at 
the  next  session  of  congress  towards  I'Vance,  it  will 
be  only  because  they  will  find  Bonaparte  deaf  to  in- 
treaty  and  insensible  of  past  favors  ;  or  that  they  may 
think  it  safer  to  float  with  the  tide  of  public  feeling 
which  will  set  strongly  against  him,  unless  he  keep 
pari  passu  witli  England  in  a  conciliatory  policy. 


I  am,  &c. 


A.B. 


No.  13. 

BOSTON,  May  5,  1809. 
SIR, 

Although  the  recent  clianges  that  have  occur, 
red  quift  all  apprehension  of  war,  and  consequently 
lessen  aii  hope  of  a  separation  of  the  slates,  1  think  it 


31 


iiecessary  to  transmit  by  the  mail  of  each  week  a 
sketch  of  passing  events. 

On  local  politics  I  have  nothing  to  add :  and  as  the 
parade  that  is  madie  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of 
the  sincere  disposition  of  Mr.  Madison  to  preserve 
amicable  relations  with  Great  Britain  is,  in  my  opi> 
nion,  calculated  to  awaken  vigilance  and  distrust,  ra> 
ther  than  inspire  confidtnce,  I  shall  (having  nothing 
more  important  to  write  about)  take  leave  to  examine 
his  motives.     I  am  not  surprised  at  his  conditional 
removal  of  the  non- intercourse  law  with  respect  to 
G.  Britain,  because  it  was  made  incumbent  on  him  by 
the  act  of  congress;  but  the  observations  made  on  his 
friendly  disposition  towards  G.  Britain  is  a  matter  of 
no  little  astonishment.  The  whole  tenor  of  his  political 
life  directly  and  unequivocally  contradicts  them.    His 
speech  on  the  British  treaty  in  1799;   his  attempt  to 
pass  a  law  for  the  confiscation  of  "British  debts"  and 
British  property ;  his  commercial  resolutions  ground- 
ed apparently  on  an  idea  of  mak'n.g  America  useful  as  a 
colony  ^o  France;  his  conduct  while  secretary  of  state; 
3II  form  an  assemblage  of  probabilities  tendii.g  to  con- 
vince me,  at  least,  that  he  does  not  seriously  desire  a 
treaty  in  which  the  rights  and  pretensions  of  G.  Bri- 
tain would  be  fairly  recognized.     It  seems  impossible 
that  he  should,  at  once,  divest  himself  of  his  habitual 
animosity  and  that  pride  of  opinion,  which  his  pre- 
sent situation  enables  him  to  indulge;    but  above 
all  that  he  should  deprive  his  friends  and  suppor- 
tcrs  of  the   benefit  of  those  prejudices  which  have 
been  carefully  fostered  in  the  minds  of  the  common 
people  towards  England,  and  which  have  so  ma- 
terially contributed  to  invigorate  and  augment  the 
democratic  party.     Whatever  his  real  motives  may 
be,  it  is  in  this  stage  of  the  affair,  harmless  enough 
to  inquire  into  the  cause  of  the  apparent  change.    He 
probably  acts  under  a  conviction  that  in  the  present 
temper  of  the  eastern  states,  a  war  could  not  fail  to 


n 


32 


produce  a  dissolution  of  the  union ;  or  he  may  have 
profited  by  the  mistakes  of  his  predecessor ;  and  is 
inclined  to  seize  the  present  opportunity  to  prove  to 
the  world  that  he  is  determined  to  be  the  president  of 
a  nation  rather  than  the  head  of  a  faction ;  or  he  has 
probably  gone  thus  far  to  remove  the  impression  on 
the  mind  of  many  that  he  was  under  the  influertce  of 
France,  in  order  that  he  may  with  a  better  grace  and 
on  more  tenable  grounds  quarrel  with  Great  Biitain 
in  the  progress  of  negotiating  a  treaty.  Whatever 
his  motives  may  be,  I  am  very  certain  his  party  will 
not  support  him  in  any  manly  and  generous  policy. 
Weak  men  are  sure  to  temporise  when  great  events 
call  upon  them  for  decision,  and  are  sluggish  and  inert 
at  the  moment  when  the  worst  of  evils  is  inaction. 
This  is  the  character  of  the  democrats  in  the  northern 
states.     Of  those  of  the  south,  I  know  but  little. 


I  am,  &c. 


A.  B. 


I        ■: 


No.  14. 

BOSTON,  May  25,  1809. 

SIR, 

My  last  was  under  date  of  the  5th  inst.  The 
unexpected  change  that  has  taken  place  in  the  feelings 
of  political  men  in  this  country,  in  consequence  o'" 
Mr,  Madison's  prompt  acceptance  of  the  friendly 
proposals  of  Great  Britain,  has  caused  a  temporary 
suspension  of  the  conflict  of  parties;  and  they  both 
fei^ard  him  with  equal  wonder  and  distrust.  They 
all  ascribe  his  conduct  to  various  motives,  but  none 
believe  him  to  be  in  earnest. 


nay  have 
r ;  and  is 
prove  to 
;sident  of 
)r  he  has 
ession  on 
luertce  of 
jrace  and 
It  Britain 
iVhatever 
party  will 
IS  policy, 
at  events 
I  and  inert 
inaction. 
;  northern 
little. 


.  B. 


S0 

The  state  of  New  York  has  returned  to  the  assein- 
bly  a  majority  of  federal  members.  All  ihis  proves 
that  an  anii-commeroial  faction  cannot  rule  the 
northern  states.  Two  months  ago,  the  state  of  New 
York  was  not  ranked  among  the  states  that  would 
adopt  the  policy  of  that  of  Massachusetts ;  and  any 
favorable  change  was  exceedingly  problematical. 

I  beg  leave  to  suggest,  that  in  the  present  state  of 
things  in  this  country,  my  presence  can  contribute 
very  litde  to  the  interests  of  Great  Britain.  If  Mr. 
Erskine  be  sanctioned  in  all  he  has  conceded,  by  his 
majesty's  ministers,  it  is  unnecessary  for  me,  as  in- 
deed it  would  be  unavailing,  tn  make  any  attempt  to 
carry  into  effect  the  original  purposes  of  mv  mission. 
While  I  think  it  to  be  my  duty  to  give  this  miimation 
to  you,  I  beg  it  may  be  understood  that  I  consider 
myself  entirely  at  the  disposal  of  his  majesty's  go- 
vernment. 


I  am,  &c. 


A.  B. 


■1  i 


18G9. 


H.     The 

feelings 

uence  o<" 

friendly 

mporary 

ley  both 

They 

)ut  none 


No.  15. 
MONTREAL,  June  12,  1809. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  your  excellency 
iliat  i  received,  through  Mr.  secretary  Ryland,  your 
excellency's  commands  to  return  to  Canada,  and, 
after  the  delays  incidtnt  to  this  season  of  the  year,  in 
a  journey  from  Boston,  arrived  here  yesterday. 

Your  excellency  will  have  seen  by  the  papers  of  the 
latest  dates  from  the  United  Stales,  that  a  formidable 
opposition  is  already  organized  in  congress  to  the  late 
measures  of  Mr,  Madison ;  and  it  is  very  evident, 
that  if  he  be  sincere  in.  the  professions  of  attachment 

5 


\i\ 


^__ 


34 


;| 


n\ 


lo  Great  Britain,  his  party  will  abandon  him.  Sixty, 
one  members  have  already  voted  against  a  resolution 
to  approve  of  what  he  has  done ;  and  I  have  no 
doubt  the  rest  ot  the  democratic  party  will  follow  the 
example,  as  soon  as  they  recover  from  the  astonish- 
ment iiito  which  his  apparent  defection  has  thrown 
them. 

The  present  hopes  of  the  federalists  are  founded 
on  the  probability  of  a  war  with  France;  but,  at  all 
events,  the  party  is  stronger  and  well  organized  enough 
to  prevent  a  war  with  England.  It  would  be  now 
superfluous  to  trouble  your  excellency  with  an  ac- 
count of  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  arrangesTients 
made  by  the  federal  party,  to  resist  any  attempt  of 
the  government  unfavorable  to  Greav  Bi  irnin.  They 
were  such  as  do  credit  to  their  ability  and  principles; 
and  while  a  judicious  policy  is  observed  by  Great 
Britain,  secure  her  interests  in  America  from  decay. 
My  fear  of  inducing  a  fiilse  security  on  the  part  of 
his  majesty's  government  in  thfir  efficiency  and  even- 
tual success,  may  have  inclined  me  to  refrain  from 
doing  them  that  justice  in  my  former  letters,  which 
I  willingly  tike  the  present  ncc:r)s'h<u  \u  txpress. 

T  trust  your  excellency  will  ascribe  the  style  and 
manner  of  my  communications,  and  the  frequent  am- 
biguiiies  introduced  in  them,  as  arising  from  the  se- 
crecy necessary  to  be  observed,  and  my  consciousness 
that  you  understood  my  metningon  the  most  delicate 
poinds  without  risking  i  particular  explanation. 

I  lani«rnt  th.it  no  occasion  commensurate  to  mv 
wishes  has  per  mined  me  to  prove  how  much  I  value 
the  confiden(;e  of  your  exc'  llency  and  the  approbation 
ahtady  expressed  by  his  majesty's  minister. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sec, 


..41 


I  certify  that  the  foregoing  letters  are  the  same  re- 
ferred  to  in  the  letter  ot  H.  W.  Kylund,   Esq.  dated 


Sixty, 
iolution 
avc  no 
low  the 
stonish- 
thrawn 

founded 
It,  at  all 
enough 
be  now 
1  an  ac- 
j^ments 
temot  of 

they 
nciples; 
)y  Great 
n  decay. 
!  part  of 
ndeven- 
»in  from 

which 
less, 
yle  and 
lent  am- 

the  se- 
lousness 
delicate 
|>n. 

to  mv 

I  value 
robation 


same  re- 
iq.  dated 


35 


May  1st,  1809,  relating;  to  the  mission  in  which  I  was 
er  ployed  bv  Sir  Jamts  Craig,  by  his  letter  of  in- 
structi*)nh  bearing  date  February  6.  1809. 

(Signed)  JOHN  HENRY. 


No.  V. 
(COPY.) 

Mr.  Ryland  to  Mr.  Henry. 

QUEBEC,  1st  May,  1809. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, 

The  news  we  have  received  this 
day  from  the  states  will,  I  imagine,  soon  bring  you 
back  to  us,  and  if  you  arrive  at  Montreal  by  the  mid- 
dle of  June  I  shall  probably  have  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing you  there,  as  I  am  going  up  with  sir  James  and  a 
large  suite.  The  last  letters  received  from  you  are  to 
the  13th  April;  the  whole  are  now  transcribing  for  the 
purpose  of  being  sent  home,  where  they  cannot  fail  of 
doing  you  g'-cat  credit ^  and  I  most  siiicercly  hope  they 
may  eventually  contribute  te your  permanent  advantage. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  repeat  the  assurance  that  no  ef- 
fort withi.i  the  compass  of  my  power  shall  be  wanting 
to  this  end. 

I  am  cruelly  out  of  spirits  at  the  idea  of  Old  Eng- 
land  truckling  to  such  a  debased  and  accursed  govern- 
ment as  that  of  the  United  States. 

I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  the  trouble  you 
has'e  taken  in  procuring  the  books,  though,  if  Spain 
fails,  I  shall  scarcely  have  heart  to  look  into  them.  1 
can  add  no  more  now  but  that  I  am,  most  heartily, 

And  affectionately  yours, 

(Signed)         '  H.  W.  R. 

J.  Henry,  csquircy  Boston, 


w. 


ill' 


« 


'ii 


if 


'ii'i 


I! 


a.|i|": 


36 

[COPY.l 
Mr,  Ryland  to  Mr.  Henry. 

4th  Ma> ,  1809. 
MY  DEAR  SIR, 

You  must  consider  the  short  letter  I  wrote  to 
you  by  the  last  post  as  altogether  unofficial ;  but  I  am 
now  to  intimate  to  you  in  a  more  formal  manner,  our 
hope  of  your  speedy  return,  as  the  object  of  your 
journey  seems,  for  the  present  at  least,  to  be  at  an 
end.  We  have  London  news  by  the  way  of  the 
river,  up  to  the  6th  March,  which  tallies  to  a  day  with 
what  we  have  received  by  the  way  of  the  states.... 
Heartily  wishing  you  a  safe  and  speedy  journey  back 
to  us, 

I  am,  my  dear  sir, 

Most  sincerely  yours, 
(Signed)  H.  W.  R. 

Have  the  goodness  to  bring  my  books  with  you, 
though  I  shall  have  little  spirit  to  look  into  them  un. 
less  you  bring  good  news  from  Spain. 


No  VI. 
(COPY.) 

A  memorial  of  Mr.  Henry  to  Lord  Liverpool^ 
inclosed  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Peel. 

The  undersigned  most  respectfully  submits  the 
following  statement  and  memorial  to  the  Karl  of 
Liverpool. 

Long  before  and  durine;  the  administration  of  your 
lordship'spredecessor,  the  undersigned  bestowed  much 
personal  attention  to  the  state  of  parties  and  to  the 
political  measures  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

?K  -*!«•  ■■*■  :'*  ■*■  * 


:l 


37 


809. 

[  wrote  to 
but  I  am 
inner,  our 
t  of  your 
be  at  an 
/ay  of  the 
1  day  with 

rney  back 


iT.  R. 

with  you, 
» them  un« 


.iverpool^ 

m 

ibmits  the 
Earl   of 

3n  of  vour 

»\ved  much 

and  to  thf; 

America. 

Ik 


Soon  after  the  affair  of  the  Chesapeake  frigate,  wfieii 
his  majesty's  governor  general  of  British  America 
had  reason  to  believe  that  the  two  countries  would  be 
involved  in  a  war,  and  had  submitted  to  his  majesty's 
ministers  the  arrangements  of  the  English  party  in 
the  United  States,  for  an  efficient  resistance  to  the 
general  government,  which  would  probably  terminate 
in  a  separation  of  the  northern  states  from  the  gene- 
ral  confederacy,  he  applied  to  the  undersigned  to  un- 
dertake a  mission  to  Boston,  where  the  whole  con- 
cerns of  the  opposition  were  managed.  The  object 
of  the  mission  was  to  promote  and  encourage  the 
federal  party  to  resist  the  measures  of  the  general 
government,  to  offer  assurances  of  aid  and  support 
from  his  majesty's  government  of  Canada,  and  to 
open  a  commmiication  between  the  leading  men  en- 
gaged in  that  opposition  and  the  governor  general  up- 
on such  a  footing  as  circumstances  might  suggest, 
and  finally  to  render  the  plans  then  in  contemplation 
subservient  to  the  views  of  his  majesty's  govern, 
ment.f 

The  undersigned  undertook  the  mission  which 
lasted  from  the  month  of  January  to  the  month  of 
June  inclusive  ;  during  which  period 

those  public  acts  and  legislative  resolu- 
tions of  the  assemblies  of  Massachusetts  and  Con- 
necticut  were  passed,  which  kept  the  general  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  in  check,  and  deterred  it 
from  carrying  into  execution  the  measures  of  hostility 
with  which  Great  Britain  was  menaced. 

For  his  services  on  the  occasions  herein  recited,  and 
theloss  of  time  and  expenses  iiicurred,the  undcrsinjned 
neither  sought  nor  received  any  compensation  ;  but 
trusted  to  the  known  justice  and  liberality  of  his  ma- 
jesty's government  for  the  reward  of  services  which 
could  not,  he  humbly  conceives,  be  estimated  in  pounds, 

t  Vide  the  despatches  of  Sir  J.  Craig  in  June,  18Q€. 


.  ^' ; 


I 


ill. 


i 

'1 


^  I' 


38 


shillings,  and  pence.  On  the  patronagje  and  support 
which  was  promised  in  the  letter  of  Sir  J.  Craig,  under 
date  of  the  26ih  Jan.  1809,  (wherein  he  gives  an  assur- 
ance "  that  the  former  correspondence  and  pohtical 
information  transmitted  by  the  undersigned,  had  met 
with  the  particular  aj^probation  of  his  majesty's  secre- 
tary of  state,  and  tjiat  his  execution  ol  the  mission 
(propose  d  to  be  undertaken  in  that  letter)  would  give 
him  a  claim  not  only  on  the  governor  general,  bu'  on 
his  majesty's  ministers,")  the  undersigned  has  relied, 
and  uow  most  respectfully  claims,  in  whatever  mode 
the  Earl  of  Liverpool  may  be  pleased  to  adopt. 

The  undersigned  most  respectfully  takes  this  oc- 
casion to  state,  that  Sir  J.  Craig  promised  him  an  em- 
ployment in  Canada,  worth  upwards  of  one  thousand 
poundsayear,  by  his  letter  (herewith  transmitted,)  un- 
der date  13th  September,  1809,  which  he  has  just  learn- 
ed has,  in  consequence  of  his  absence,  been  .given  to 
another  person.  The  undersigned  abstains  from  com- 
mentmg  on  this  transaction ;  and  most  respectfully  sug- 
gests that  the  appointment  of  judge  advocate  general  of 
the  provinceof  Lower  Canada,  with  a  salary  of  five  hun- 
dred pounds  a  year,  or  a  consulate  in  the  United  States 
sine  curia,  would  be  considered  by  him  as  a  liberal 
discharge  of  any  obligation  that  his  majesty's  govern- 
ment may  entertain  in  relation  to  his  services. 


SIR, 


Copy  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Peel,  inclosing  the  fore- 
going, 

June  13,  1811. 

SIR, 

I  tal.c  have  to  inclose  to  you  a  memorial  ad- 
drf«;s'  tl  to  the  r.arl  of  Livtrpool,  iincl  lug  you  will 


I 
I 


I  support 
ig,  under 
andssur- 

[  political 
,  had  met 
y's  secre- 
i  mission 
ould  ^\\c 
al,  bu'  on 
lias  relied, 
■vcr  mode 
apt. 

.s  this  oc- 
im  an  em- 
:  thousand 
itted,)  un- 
just learn* 

II  .given  to 
from  com* 
;tfully  sug- 

general  of 
il  five  hun- 
ited  States 
>s  a  liberal 
's  govern- 
es. 


the  fore- 


811. 


lorial  ad- 
vou  will 


59 


have  the  goodness  either  to  examine  the  documents 
in  your  office,  or  those  in  my  own  possession,  touching 
the  extent  and  legitimacy  of  my  claim. 

Mr.  R)  land,  the  secretary  ol  Sir  J  Craig,  is  now  in 
London,  and  from  his  r fficial  knowledge  of  the  trans- 
actions and  facts  alluded  to  in  the  mt  moriul,  can  give 
any  information  rtquired  on  that  subject. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

(Signed)  J.  H. 


No.  VII. 
[COPY.] 

3/r.  Peel^  secretary  to  lord  Liverpool^  to  Mr. 

Henry, 

DOWNING  STREKT, 

28ihJunc,  1811. 

SIR, 

I  havl;  not  failed  to  lay  before  the  earl  of  Li- 
verpool  the  memorial,  togetiicr  with  its  several  inclo- 
sures,  vvhicli  was  delivered  to  me  a  few  days  since 
by  j^ineral  Loft,  at  your  desire. 

Hjs  lordship  has  directed  me  to  acquaint  you 
that  he  has  referred  to  the  correspondence  in  this 
office  ol  the  year  1808.  and  liiids  two  letters  from  sir 
James  Craig,  dated  10th  April,  and  5th  May,  trans- 
mitting the  correspondence  that  had  passed  during 
your  residence  in  the  northern  states  of  America,  and 
expressing  his  confidence  in  your  ability  and  judg. 
ment;  but  lord  Liverpool  has  not  discovered  any 
wish  on  the  p.ut  of  sir  James  Craig  that  your  claims 
for  coinpeusation  should  be  referred  to  this  country, 
nor  indeed  is  allusion  made  to  any  kind  of  arrange 
ment  or  agreement  that  had  been  made  bv  that  oflitw  . 


irii 


I    I 


llr 


'1!     til 

w 


40 


ii.;'ii 


( 


li '  ji 


with  you.  Under  these  circumstances,  and  had  not 
sir  James  Craig  determined  on  his  immediate  return 
to  England,  it  would  have  been  lord  Liverpool's  wish 
to  have  referred  your  memorial  to  him,  as  being  better 
enabled  to  appreciate  the  ability  and  success  with 
which  you  executed  a  mission  undertaken  at  his  de> 
sire.  Lord  Liverpool  will  however  transmit  it  to  sir 
James  Craig's  successor  in  the  government,  with  an 
assurance  that  from  the  recommendations  he  has  re- 
ceived in  your  favor  and  the  opinion  he  has  formed 
on  your  correspondence,  he  is  convinced  the  public 
service  will  be  benefited  by  your  active  employment 
in  a  public  situation 

Lord  Liverpool  will  also  feel  himself  bound  to  give 
the  same  assurance  to  the  marquis  Wellesley,  if  there 
is  any  probability  that  it  will  advance  the  success  of 
the  application  which  you  have  made  to  his  lordship. 

I  am,  &c. 

(Signed)  ROBEUTPEKL. 

}.  Henry,  Esq. 


No.  VIIL 

>fo  other  answer  than  a  despatch  to  sir  George  Prcvost,  and 
the  letter  marked  B. 


i. 


I 


il 


11 


r 
_   I 


Air.  Henry  to  Mr.  Peel. 

27,  Leicester  square. 

LONDOM,  4th  September,  181L 

SIR, 

I  have  just  now  learned  the  ultimate  decision  o1 
my  lord  Wellesley,  relative  to  the  appointment  which 
I  was  desirous  to  obtain;  and  find  that  the  subsibiing 
relations  between  the  two  rnuntrirs  forbid  thr^  rreatini^ 


K 


41 


nd  had  not 
liate  return 
pool's  wish 
jeing  better 
iccess  with 
n  at  his  de- 
mit it  to  sir 
:nt,  iviih  an 
i  he  has  re- 
has  formed 
I  the  public 
imployment 

>und  to  give 
iley,  if  there 
e  success  of 
[lis  lordship. 


a  new  office  in  the  United  States,  such  as  I  was  solicit- 
ous to  obtain.  In  this  state  of  things  I  have  not  a  mo- 
ment to  lose  in  returning  to  Canada,  and  have  taken 
my  passage  in  the  last  and  only  ship  that  sails  for 
Qncbec  this  sfasDn  As  I  huve  not  time  to  enter  de 
novo  into  explanations  with  the  gentleman  who  is  in 
your  office,  and  as  I  have  received  assurances  from 
you,  in  addition  to  the  letter  of  my  lord  Liverpool  of 
the  27th  June,  that  "  his  lordship  would  recommend 
me  to  the  governor  of  Canada,  for  the  first  vacant 
situation  that  I  would  accept,"  1  beg  the  favor  of  you 
to  advise  me  how  I  am  to  get  that  recommendation 
without  loss  of  time. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  he,  &cc. 
(Signed)  J.  H. 

Robert  Peel,  esquire. 


•F.KI.. 


!  Prcvost,  and 


r  square. 

ni. 

.'  decision  o1 

tmcnt  which 

le  subsisting 

th'^  (Tcatinir 


[COPY.] 

B.  No.  IX. 

* 

Copy  of  the  letter  written  by  lord  Liverpool  to  sir  George  Prlp- 
vost,  lunusht'd  to  Mr.  Henry  by  the  under  secretary  of  state. 
Original  in  the  despatch  to  the  governor  general. 

DOWNING  STREET, 

16th  September,  1811. 

SIR, 

Mr.  Henry,  who  will  have  the  honor  of  deli- 
vering this  letter,  is  the  gentU  man  who  addressed  to 
n\v  the  memorial,  a  copy  of  which  I  herewith  trans- 
niit,  and  to  whom  the  accompanying  letter  from  Mr. 
Peel  was  written  by  my  direction. 

In  compliance  w  ith  his  request,  I  now  fulfil  the  as- 
vsurance  which  I  have  given,  of  stating  to  you  my 
opinion  of  the  ability  and  judgment  whicii  Mr.  Hen- 

a 


'i|i; 


-'^T"" 


•Mi 


1! 


Vv 
1,; 


\ 


I  i' 


42 


ry  has  manifested  on  the  occasions  mentioned  m  his 
memorial,  and  of  the  benefit  the  public  service  might 
derive  from  his  active  empioj'ment  in  any  public  situ- 
ation in  which  you  should  think  proper  to  place  him. 

lam,  &c. 

(Signed)  LIVERPOOL. 


ci;'i 


i'r  George  Prcvost,  Bart.  kc.  8cc. 


(COPY.) 
No.X. 

Mr.  Ryland  to  Mr.  Henry. 

Tuesday  evening,  July  2,  1811. 

DEAR  HENRY, 

It  gives  me  real  pleasure  to  find 
that  the  apprehension  1  had  formed  with  respect  to 
the  fulfilment  of  your  expectations  is  likely  to  prove 
erroneous.  As  every  thing  which  passed  relative  to 
your  mission  was  in  writing,  I  think  you  will  do  well 
in  submitting  to  Mr.  I'ecl  all  the  original  papers.  I 
myself  could  give  no  other  intbrmation  relative  to  the 
suiijcct  than  what  they  contain,  as  you  and  I  had  no 
opportunity  of  any  verbal  communication  respecting 
it,  until  after  your  mission  terminated,  and  I  never 
wrote  you  a  letter  in  the  governor's  name  which  had 
not  previously  been  submitted  to  his  correction. 

The  impression  I  had  received  of  your  character 
and  abilities  made  me  anxious  to  serve  you  even  be- 
fore 1  had  the  pleasure  of  a  personal  acquaintanrx*  with 
you,  and  the  same  desire  has  operated  on  me  ever 
since.  I  anj  therefore  entitled  to  hope  that  any  opin- 
ion which  1  may  have  given  you  as  to  your  best  mode 
of  obtaining  an  emplovnicnt  under  govcrntncnt  will  be 


43 


received  with  the  same  candor  that  gave  rise  to  it.  I 
think  you  will  do  well  to  persevere  as  you  propose. 
I  have  no  doubt  that  every  letter  from  you  which  sir 
James  sent  home  will  be  found  in  Mr.  Peel's  office,  as 
the  established  practice  there  is  to  bind  the  despatches 
and  inclosures  yearly  up  together. 

Sincerely  wishing  you  every  success, 

I  am,  most  faithfully,  yours, 

H.  W.  RYLAND. 

John  Henry,  esquire. 


B. 


J^ord  Liverpool's  despatch  to  Sir  George  Fre- 
vost,  with  its  inclosures. 

DOWNING  STREET, 

September  16, 1811. 
.SIR, 

Mr.  Henry,  who  will  have  the  honor  of  deliver- 
ing this  letter,  is  the  gentleman  who  addressed  to  mc 
the  memorial,  a  copy  of  which  I  herewith  transmit, 
and  to  whom  the  accompanying  letter  from  Mr.  Peel 
was  written  by  my  direction. 

In  compliance  with  his  request,  I  now  fulfil  the  as- 
surance which  I  have  given  of  stating  to  you  my  opi- 
nion of  the  ability  and  judgment  which  Mr.  Henry 
has  manifested  on  the  occasions  mentioned  in  his  me- 
morial,  and  of  the  benefit  the  public  service  might  de- 
rive from  his  active  employment  in  any  public  situa- 
tion in  which  you  should  think  proper  to  place  him. 

I  am,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

(Signed)  LIVERPOOL. 


i 


v""'iiir"' 


1 


Hi 


!l  1 


i): 


1 1  di 


■  s   ! 

31.  i 


44 
Accompanying  lord  Li verpoors  despatch  to  sir  George  Prevost. 
Document  No   1. 

Extract  of  the  official  letter  of  sir  jfames  Crai^^ 
referred  to  in  the  memorial. 

Most  secret  and  conBdential. 

QUEBEC,  26th  January,  1809. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, 

The  extraordinary  situation  of  things  at  this 
time  in  the  neighborinji;  states,  has  suggested  lo  the 
governor  in  chief  the  idea  of  employing  you  on  a  se- 
cret and  confidential  mission,  provided  an  arrange- 
ment can  be  made  to  meet  the  important  end  in  vit  \v, 
without  throwing  an  absolute  obstacle  in  the  way  of 
your  professional  pursuits 

The  information  and  political  observations  heretofore 
received  froju  you  were  transmitted  by  /lis  excellency  to 
the  secretary  of  state ^  ivho  has  expressed  his  particular 
approbation  of  them,  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  your 
able  execution  of  such  a  mission  as  I  have  above  sug- 
gested, ivould give  you  a  claim,  not  only  on  the governsr 
general,  but  on  his  majcsty\^  ministers,  which  ivould 
eventually  contribute  to  your  advantage.  At  present  it 
is  only  necessary  for  me  to  add,  vhat  the  governor 
would  furnish  you  with  a  cipher  for  carrying  on  your 
correspondinccc,  and  in  case  the  leading  piirty  in  any 
of  the  states  wished  lo  open  a  communication  with 
this  government,  their  views  might  be  communicated 
tlirough  you. 

I  am,  &,c^ 


(Signed) 
To  Johnllenrv,  l'.sr[niie 


HERMAN  VV.  RYLAND. 


45 

Accompanying  Lord  Liverpoors  despatch  to  Sir  Geo.  Prevoet. 
Document  No.  2. 

Extract  from  general  instructions  referred  to 
in  the  memorial. 


QUEBEC,  February  6,  1809.. 

SIR, 

As  you  have  so  readily  undertaken  the  service 
which  I  have  suggested  to  you  as  likely  to  be  attend- 
ed with  much  benefit  to  the  public  interests,  I  am  to 
request  that  with  your  earliest  convcniency  you  will 
proceed  to  Boston. 

The  principal  object  that  I  recommend  to  your  at- 
tention, is  the  endeavor  to  obtain  the  most  accurate 
information  of  the  stute  of  affairs  in  that  part  of  the 
union,  which  from  its  wealth,  the  number  of  its  in- 
habitants, and  the  known  intelligence  and  ability  of 
several  of  its  leading  men,  must  naturally  possess  a 
very  considerable  influence  over,  and  will  indeed  pro- 
bably lead  the  other  eastern  states  of  America  in  the 
part  that  they  may  take  at  this  important  crisis  I 
shall  not  pretend  to  point  out  to  you  the  mode  by 
which  you  will  be  likely  to  obtain  this  important  in- 
formation.  Your  own  judgment  and  the  connexions 
which  you  have  formed  must  be  your  guide. 

In  the  general  terms  which  I  have  made  use  o*"  to 
describe  the  objt  cts  which  I  recommend  to  your  at- 
tention, it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  observe,  that  I  in- 
clude the  slate  of  public  opinion,  both  with  regard  to 
the  internal  politics  and  the  probability  of  a  war  with 
England  ;  the  comparative  strength  and  views  of 
the  two  great  parties  into  which  the  country  is  divid- 
ed ;  iind  the  views  and  designs  of  that  which  may 
ultimately  prevail. 


h:. 


(WW 


' "  I 


ft  l< 


■  I: 


I: 


\\ 


IJ< 


46 


If  the  federalists  of  the  eastern  states  should  be 
buccessful  in  obtaining  that  decided  influence  which 
may  enable  them  to  direct  the  public  opinion,  it  is 
not  impossible  that  rather  than  submit  to  a  continu- 
ance of  the  difiiculties  and  distress  to  which  they  are 
now  subject,  they  will  exert  that  influence  to  bring 
about  a  separation  from  the  general  union.  The  ear- 
liest information  on  this  subject  may  be  of  great  con- 
sequence to  our  government ;  as  it  may  also  that  it 
should  be  informed  how  far  thev  would,  in  such  an 
event,  look  up  to  England  for  assistance,  and  be  dis- 
posed to  enter  into  a  connexion  with  us.  These  I 
leave  to  your  judgment  and  discretion. 

(Signed)  J.  H.  CRAIG. 

[The  letter  of  instructions  is  long.    The  ubove  are  the  prin- 
cipal points  in  it,  except  as  to  secrecy.] 


Copy  of  Mr,  Henry's  memorial^  accompanying 
lord  LivttpooVs  despatch. 

To  the  right  honorable  the  carl  of  Liverpool,  the  under- 
signed  most  respectfully  submits  the  follomng  memo- 
rial: 

Long  before,  and  during  the  administration 
of  your  lordship's  predecessor,  the  undtrsigned  be- 
stowed much  personal  attention  to  the  state  of  par- 
tits  and  political  measures  in  the  United  States  of 
America ;  and  had  an  opportunity  faj    *     *     *     * 

************* 

,*      ***********      *     * 

*******      and  to  unite  the     * 

*  ************      * 

*  *     *     *     *     *   the  information  transmitted  by 

(o)  Sec  the  letters  of  Mr.  Henry  addressed  to  tke  secretary 
of  sir  James  Craig,  and  by  him  traiismittcd  to  lord  Liverpool, 
In  the  mouth  of  April,  iSoa. 


47 


ihe  undersigned  to  sir  James  Craig,  and  by  him  to 
lord  Castlereagh,  «'  .  witb  his  lords/iip^s  approbation  ; 
CbJ  and  when  the  hostile  preparations  in  the  United 
States  suggested  to  sir  James  Craig  the  necessity  of 
making  corresponding  arrangements  of  precaution  and 
defence,  for  the  security  of  his  majesty's  colonies,  he 
applied  to  the  undersigned  to  undertake  a  secret  and 
confidential  mission  to  the  northern  states,  to  *  *  * 
the  party  already  mentioned,  to  direct  their  operations, 
and  transmit  regular  information  of  the  same,  and  to 
endeavor  to  render  their  plans  subservient  to  the  in- 
terests of  Great  Britain,  fcj  The  undersigned  rea- 
dily undertook  the  mission,  and  spent  five  months  in 
the  active  and  zealous  discharge  of  the  duties  connect- 
ed with  it.  *****  -xe  *  *  *  * 
*      *      ************ 

************* 
********  /'dj     *     *     *     *     * 

which  deterred  the  general  government  from  the  pur- 
pose already  mentioned,  and  from  a  coalition  with 
France  ;  fcJ  while  the  information  which  he  transmit- 
ted to  sir  James  Craig,  probably  saved  the  trouble  and 
expense  of  arming  the  Canadian  militia.  All  this  the 
undersigned  performed  without  ever  shcvving  his  com- 
mission, or  appearing  as  an  authorized  agent;  from  a 
thorough  conviction,  that  a  discovery  of  his  mission 
would  furnish  the  French  party  with  the  means  of  dc 
stroj  ing  the  influence  of  the  party  adhering  to  Great 
Britain,  in  every  quarter  of  America,  and  enable  the 
j^eneral  government  to  go  to  war  upon  popular  and 
tenable  ground. 

In  the  application  of  sir  James  Craig  to  the  under- 
.igned,  to  undertake  the  mission  aforesaid,  he  says. 


J[ 


fb)  See  document  No.  1,  herewith  submitted. 

(c )  See  documents  No.  I  and  2,  herewith  submitled. 

(d)  Sec  letter  No.  1,  of  the  series  transmitted  by  sir  Jame 
Craig  to  the  colonial  department,  under  date  Feb.  14,  1R09. 

(<•)  Sec  the  lersjaindcr  of  tlic  sforerjaid  letters. 


If       i  • 


!'i' 
m 


I 


48 


*'  T/ie  infonnation  a?id  political  obsefuatioiis  received 
from  you  heretofore^  iverc  all  transtiiitted  to  the  secre- 
tary of  state ^  who  has  expressed  his  particular  appro- 
Ihition  of  them  ;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  your  able 
execution  of  such  a  mission  as  I  ha'ue  above  suggested^ 
would  give  you  a  cUmn  fiot  only  on  the  governor  general 
f  of  British  America  J  but  on  his  tnajesiy^s  tninisters,^^ 

The  undersigned  being  now  in  England,  on  his 
private  aftairs,  and  on  the  eve  of  departure  for  Ameri- 
ca, most  humbly  and  respectfully  submits  his  claims, 
under  the  stipulations  aforesaid,  to  the  carl  of  Liver- 
pool, in  the  confident  expectation  that  his  lordship  will 
treat  them  wiih  that  justice  and  liberality  which,  upon 
investigation,  they  may  be  found  to  merit. 

It  may  not  be  superfluous  to  add,  that  the  under- 
signed has  never  received,  in  any  shape  whatever, 
any  compensation  or  patronas^je  for  the  services  he  has 
rendered.  This  fact,  Mr.  Ryland,  the  secretary  of 
sir  James  Craig,  now  in  London,  can  vouch  lor;  as 
well  as  for  the  truth  of  all  the  matters  set  forth  in  this 
memorial. 

I  have  the  honor,  he. 
(Sig.ied)  J.  HENRY. 

Leicester  square^  27, 
yu?ie  23,  18  n. 


?!'  I 


Mr.  Peel  to  Mr.  Hetiry,  accompanying  lord 
Liverpool's  despatch  to  sir  George  Prevosf. 

DOWNING  STREET, 

28th  June,  1811. 
SIR, 

I  have  not  failed  to  h\y  before  the  earl  of  Liver- 
pool the  memorial,  together  with  its  several  inclosurcs. 

(/J  See  document  No.  I,  hevcM'itli  transmitted 


49 


received 
he  secre- 
ir  appro- 
lour  able 
uggestedy 
r  general 
misters 


•>■) 


i,  on  his 
)r  Ameri- 
is  claims, 
of  Liver- 
dship  will 
lich,  upon 

he  under - 
whatever, 
ices  he  has 
jcretary  of 
ch  lor ;  as 
»rth  in  this 


[RY. 


ing  lord 
>,  1811. 


\v4\ich  was  delivered  to  me  a  few  days  since  by  general 
Loft,  at  your  desire. 

His  lordship  has  directed  me  to  acquaint  you,  in 
reply,  that  he  has  referred  to  the  correspondence  in 
this  office  of  the  year  1808,  and  finds  two  letters 
from  sir  James  Craig,  dated  10th  April  and  5th  May, 
transmitting  the  correspondence  that  had  passed  du- 
ring your  residence  in  the  northern  states  of  America, 
and  expressing  his  confidence  in  your  ability  and 
judgment ;  but  lord  Liverpool  has  not  discovered  any 
wish,  on  the  part  of  sir  James  Craig,  that  your  claims 
for  compensation  should  be  referred  to  this  country  ; 
nor  indeed  is  allusion  made  to  any  kind  of  arrange- 
ment or  agreement,  that  has  been  made  by  that  officer 
with  you. 

Under  these  circumstances,  and  had  not  sir  James 
Craig  determined  on  his  immediate  return  to  England, 
it  would  have  been  lord  Liverpool's  wish  to  have  re- 
terred  your  memorial  to  him,  as  being  better  enable  J 
to  appreciate  the  ability  and  success  with  which  you  ex- 
ecuted a  mission  undertaken  at  his  desire.  Lord  Li' 
verpool  will,  however,  transmit  it  to  sir  James  Craig's 
successor  in  the  government,  with  an  assurance  that, 
from  the  recommendations  he  has  received  in  your  fa- 
vor, and  the  opinion  he  has  formed  on  your  corres- 
pondence, he  is  convinced  the  public  service  will  be 
benefited  by  your  active  employment  in  a  public  si- 
tuation. 

Lord  Liverpool  will  also  feel  himself  bound  to  give 
the  same  assurance  to  the  marquis  Wellesley,  if  there 
is  any  probability  that  it  will  advance  the  success  of 
the  application  which  you  have  made  to  his  lordship. 
I  am,  sir, 
Your  most  obedient 
Humble  servant, 
(Signed)  ROBERT  PEEL. 


MM 


Il  of  Liver - 
luclosuresr 


J 


hi'.'h'        '      " 


50 


Accompanying  lord  Liverpool's  despatch  to  sir  George  Prevost. 

Extracts  of  letters  of  recall  from  the  mission^  in  conse- 
quence of  the  arranj^emcnts  entered  into  between  Mr, 
Erskine  and  the  Americati  government, 

QUEBEC,  May  1,  1809. 


u 


The  news  we  have  received  this  day  from  the 
United  States  will,  I  imagine,  soon  bring  you  back 
to  us.  The  last  letters  received  from  you  are  t«  13th 
April.  The  "whole  are  transcribing  to  be  sent  home, 
where  they  cannot  fail  of  doing  you  great  credit  and 
eventually  contribute  to  your  permanent  advantage.** 


(Signed) 
J.  Henry,  csquivci 


H.  W.  RYLAND,  Sec. 


4th  May,  1809. 

*'  I  am  now  formally  to  intimate  to  you  our  hope 
of  3'our  return,  as  the  object  of  your  mission  seems, 
for  the  present  at  least,  to  be  at  an  end. 

"  Sincerely  wishing  you  a  safe  and  speedy  journey 
back  to  us," 

I  am,  &c. 

(Signed)  H.W.  RYLAND,  Sec. 

J.  Henry,  esquire. 


Prevost. 


n  conse- 
een  Mr* 


1809. 

from  the 
ou  back 
E  t«  13th 
mt  hornet 
redit  and 

>,  Sec, 


,  1809. 

our  hope 
3n  seems, 

yr  journey 


D,  Sec. 


